Labor Day Sees 72,000 Stranded in Burning Man Festival Flood

(Photo : Julie Jammot / Getty Images)
72,000 seem to be stuck in the Burning Man Site on Labor Day as roads are closed due to flood.

Hopes that roads could open are up although Labor Day sees 72,000 people stranded in Burning Man Festival Site because of torrential rain that is flooding the muddy site.

Labor Day, the Weather, and 72,000 Burners

The Burning Man festival faced a major disruption due to relentless rainfall, rendering roads and grounds muddy, stranding thousands of attendees, who are traditionally called Burners. The festival's iconic burning of a manlike figure, originally scheduled for Sunday night, had to be postponed. Organizers cited the impracticality of moving heavy fire safety equipment in such conditions.

This marked the second delay, as the burn was initially set for Saturday night. Participants, known for their resilience and self-sufficiency, were urged to conserve supplies. Despite the unexpected turn of events, some, like tech entrepreneur Star Heartsong from Austin, Texas, embraced the festival's all-weather spirit, emphasizing that Burners weren't victims, but rather adaptable enthusiasts.

Event organizers for the Burning Man Festival have scheduled the Man Burn event for Monday, Labor Day.

Approximately 72,000 Burners have been stranded in Nevada's Black Rock Desert due to heavy rains, closing roads and necessitating shelter-in-place orders.

The region received up to 0.8 inches of rain in just 24 hours, transforming the dry desert into ankle-deep, clay-like mud, forcing some attendees to wrap bags around their feet for mobility.

The Burning Man Festival Schedules and Announcements

The event organizers have also posted on their website a wet playa survival guide for 2023 where Burners can check any announcements, reminders, or updates regarding the events and venue. Organizers are recommending Burners to consider delaying their departure from Black Rock City until Tuesday, September 5. This will alleviate large amounts of congestion throughout Labor Day.

The Burning Man Festival 2023 started on August 27. There are a few more activities left. The Man Burn is rescheduled to take place Monday night, September 4, at 9 PM, while the Chapel of Babel is scheduled to burn a few hours later at midnight. This will close the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock City.

An urban version of the festival is scheduled for October 21 called San Francisco Decompression 2023: Black Top City.

Also Read: Deadly Thunderstorms From Summer-Autumn Transition Kills 5 as Cars Flip Over to Strong Winds in Michigan 

Labor Day Activities

The delayed festival's extended schedule now overlaps with the annual observance of Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September.

Originating in the late 19th century, this holiday emerged from the efforts of labor leaders advocating for a federal holiday to recognize workers' substantial contributions to the nation's strength, prosperity, and overall well-being. The first official Labor Day, as proposed by the Central Labor Union, was held on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City.

It featured a street parade to showcase the pride and power of trade and labor organizations, followed by a festival for workers and their families. Presently, Americans commemorate Labor Day with parades, parties, and barbecues, signifying the end of summer.

On this holiday, various services, such as groceries, banks, government offices, including the post office and federal courts, are either closed or operate with reduced hours.

Related Article: Burning Man Festival Closes Gates as Tropical Storm Hilary Leaves Black Rock Desert in Flood