I'm a 12-year veteran of Burning Man. These 12 photos show a resilient community rallying around the rain and mud with joy and humor.

David Sun KongSep 5, 2023, 18:03 IST

Burners Chucky Kim and Josh Sandtoes hug as Minji Kim and Cheryl Wang meet each other for the first time. Wang shared a story of rocking out to heavy metal in the midst of the storm on Friday, while Sandtoes commented on how high spirits were and how much he loved seeing the community come together.David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

Rain turned Burning Man 2023 into a mud pit, forcing attendees at one point to shelter in place.
But people who go to Burning Man are prepared for harsh conditions and rally to help each other out.

I'm David Kong, a 12-year attendee of Burning Man and a member of the Robot Heart camp, one of the many thousands of camps at Burning Man.

It's a beautiful Monday on playa and the sun is out, finally, after nearly three days of rain, mud, and an utterly unforgettable experience.

Internet has been sporadic, and I've seen some sensational headlines. But, in my experience these past few days, I've seen our community rally together with our trademark burner resilience, joy, humor, and love.

For those that don't know, Burning Man occurs, by design, in harsh desert conditions, where we prepare to endure extreme heat, dust, and all of the hardship that comes with it. And we do it together. We survive and thrive as a community and a city.

The rains and mud were, of course, historic — but just another challenge for us to face, another occasion for us to rise to meet. These photographs provide a glimpse of that story.

Sunset over Black Rock City early Saturday evening, a brief reprieve before more rain

David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

A burner takes in the view of the flooded playa near the Discow art car on Saturday morning after the first major storm

David Sun Kong, Ph.D., @davidsunkong

A party at the Duty Free camp Saturday night, where burners escaped the mud to celebrate and dance

David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

Burners Chucky Kim and Minji Kim make their way through the mud back to camp

David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

Burners set up chairs in the street between storms. Some used trashbags to walk through the mud while others walked barefoot.

David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

Burners greet each other on the mud-soaked street.

Chucky Kim and Josh Sandtoes share an embrace as Minji Kim and Cheryl Wang meet each other for the first time. Wang shared a story of rocking out to heavy metal in the midst of the storm on Friday, while Sandtoes commented on how high spirits were and how much he loved seeing the community come together.David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

"It's not the burn you wanted. It's the burn you need."

"Burning Man is often so fast-paced and chaotic, but the mud slows everything down, and the city has become hyper-local. I've met and engaged with camps I never would have otherwise. Everything you need is right here," said burner Michael Swift.David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

Burners work together to load a structure onto a flatbed truck

David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

DJs Gautier and Cirklz play a spontaneous party at the Agave Dome Sunday night, a notably dry space where many took refuge during the storms

David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

By Sunday evening, the rains had finally stopped and burners were able to trek out to the playa and enjoy the art again.

An art installation called "Elder Mother," created by Charlie Gadekan.David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

The Flying Lotus Girls' art installation known as 'Mutupia.'

Burner Alyssa Stephens activates the Flying Lotus Girls' art installation, called 'Mutupia.' Alyssa noted how Black Rock City, normally dense with bikes and vehicles, had now become a walking city.David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

Two longtime burners share an embrace in front of the Robot Heart bus as preparations began for the Man Burn

Kerry Flanagan, a 9-year burner, and David Andre, a 13-year burner, are both Robot Heart members. "Humanity will endure," Kerry joked. Dave winked, and with a smile said, "Love and beats go on."David Sun Kong, @davidsunkong

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I'm a 12-year veteran of Burning Man. These 12 photos show a resilient community rallying around the rain and mud with joy and humor.

Sunset over Black Rock City early Saturday evening, a brief reprieve before more rain

A burner takes in the view of the flooded playa near the Discow art car on Saturday morning after the first major storm

A party at the Duty Free camp Saturday night, where burners escaped the mud to celebrate and dance

Burners Chucky Kim and Minji Kim make their way through the mud back to camp

Burners set up chairs in the street between storms. Some used trashbags to walk through the mud while others walked barefoot.

Burners greet each other on the mud-soaked street.

"It's not the burn you wanted. It's the burn you need."

Burners work together to load a structure onto a flatbed truck

DJs Gautier and Cirklz play a spontaneous party at the Agave Dome Sunday night, a notably dry space where many took refuge during the storms

By Sunday evening, the rains had finally stopped and burners were able to trek out to the playa and enjoy the art again.

The Flying Lotus Girls' art installation known as 'Mutupia.'

Two longtime burners share an embrace in front of the Robot Heart bus as preparations began for the Man Burn