April 27, 2021 By: The Big Magazine
Burning Man has decided not to return the playa for a second time in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic. Burning Man organizers have announced the festival's return in 2022 in Black Rock City, Nevada.
According to a livestream video statement from Burning Man’s CEO Marian Goodell, they have cancelled the 2021 Burning Man festival due to the covid-19 pandemic. They shared the statement on the company’s website and social media channels on Tuesday.
“For 2021, we know the need for community has never been stronger, and building community is what Burners do best. We also recognize the pandemic is not over. We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re really grateful for all of the work you have been doing to prepare for Black Rock City. So much, from so many,” Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell said.
“But we’ve made a difficult decision based on the best information available to us. We’ve decided to focus our energy on building Black Rock City 20222. It’s too important to do half-a–ed, so we’re doubling down on next year.”
In a blog post, organizers added that “although here in the United States we may be feeling the weight lifting and the light at the end of the tunnel brightening, we are still in the pandemic, and the uncertainties that need to be resolved are impossible to resolve in the time we have.”
The annual desert EDM festival that attracts hundreds of thousands of "burners" from all over the world since 1986. Last year was the first year the event had ever been canceled. Goodell said earlier this month that organizers were considering requiring proof of vaccination to attend the festival, but were aware of concerns that mandating vaccines "challenges the concept of 'radical inclusion.’"
In lieu of an in-person, official event, BM will be hosting a virtual Burn Night on Saturday, September 4, 2021
“We’re not cancelling Burning Man. We’re just not doing Black Rock City. Remember: we will always burn the man.” said Goodwell.
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