Burning Man Gets A Double Rainbow

Burning Man, the art festival beyond definition, kicked off yesterday to some unusually rainy weather. As festival goers poured in throughout the day, so did the rain. But when the heavens finally backed off, everyone was presented with a giant double rainbow! People arriving at Black Rock City, Nevada, were given a golden opportunity to pay homage to the latest Internet meme doing the rounds:

For anyone who hasn't heard of or been to Burning Man, trying to explain it is going to be difficult.

To any parent, it might sound like your worst nightmare.

Picture a seven-day theme party that takes place in a dangerously hot desert, full of strange, artsy people - some of whom are definitely high on mind-altering drugs. Each year a new theme is introduced. 2010's is Metropolis: The Life Of Cities. After a few sleepless nights, everyone gets together and burns a giant statue. Sure, that could sound bad.

But it's so much more than that. It's a gathering of close to 50, 000 people, celebrating radical free expression by participating in various art projects throughout the week. People are encouraged to start their own projects and displays, or to assist those working on their own. The base of an ancient lake bed in the Black Rock Desert becomes the foundation of a city that forms throughout the duration of the festival.

There's no easy way to sum up this cultural phenomenon. Now in its 24th year, the humble beginnings of the festival/ ritual and its rise to such prominence are best explained by its founders on the official website. If you're looking for an Autumn getaway that will blow your mind, Burning Man is probably right up your alley.