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American festival Burning Man welcomed a Belarusian camp as a participant this year.

Burning Man sees a new addition as Belarusians set up their own camp in the Black Rock desert for the first time, according to Reform.news.

American Festival Burning Man Welcomed Belarusian Campground
American Festival Burning Man Welcomed Belarusian Campground

American festival Burning Man welcomed a Belarusian camp as a participant this year.

In the heart of the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, a unique and magical experience awaits festival-goers at Burning Man. This year, the Belarusian camp, MARA, has been announced as a participant on the official Burning Man festival website.

MARA, named after a traditional Belarusian deity, is a special addition to the event. It is part of MARA, a bus that offers a traditional banya (sauna) experience. The banya, housed in a large tent, was brought all the way from Warsaw.

Inside the banya tent, a stove keeps the space warm, while intricate cut-out designs adorn the surrounding tents. The banya brooms used are from Ukraine. After the sauna session, attendees can enjoy a refreshing cup of herbal tea, which MARA provides.

MARA is not just a sauna on wheels; it is based on ancient Belarusian magical practices. Vondel Digital, an agency founded by Alexander Vasilevich, established MARA Camp. The climax of the Burning Man event is the burning of a large human sculpture at the centre of the camp, a spectacle that is a stark contrast to the tranquil MARA.

Contrary to popular belief, the Burning Man event is not officially referred to as a festival, but rather an experiment. Each year, the desert transforms into a temporary city, with almost all activities and art being created by its inhabitants. Some installations are of fantastical shapes and are burned by their creators before the event ends.

Despite being separate entities, MARA and Burning Man share a common spirit of creativity, community, and self-expression. While Burning Man offers a temporary city in the desert, MARA provides a taste of traditional Belarusian culture, complete with blinis (draniki) for attendees to enjoy.

Whether you're seeking the thrill of the Burning Man event or the tranquil experience of the MARA banya, this year's Burning Man promises an unforgettable journey.

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