Fire Conclave Ceremonies
Burning Man’s ceremonial fire activity encompasses the spirit as well as the body and mind. The gathering of people dancing and drumming around a fire goes back to the beginning of Burning Man and beyond — it is the original, essential form of dance that crystallizes community. By summoning the power of the flame to flow through us, it strengthens and transforms our spirit.
OPENING FIRE CEREMONY & THE ONE FLAME
On the first Monday of the event, Crimson Rose extracts a flame from the sun to light a fire in El Diabla, a special cauldron located in Center Camp. For the flame to continue burning it must be stoked, disturbed and kept alive throughout the entire week. We encourage all those that encounter El Diabla to help keep this flame alive.
PROCESSION OF THE CEREMONIAL FLAME
On Saturday night the fire that has been extracted from the sun, drummed and danced around, and has been burning all week long will be transferred to a special lantern, the Luminferous. The Procession of the Ceremonial Flame will proceed to the Great Circle where the Sentinels will receive the fire and share it with the largest convergence of fire performers, the Fire Conclave, who will utilize that same fire to start their dances dedicated to the Man before it is released in pyrotechnic delight.
Photo by Kevin Levezu
THE FIRE CONCLAVE COUNCIL
The Mission of the Fire Conclave Council is to uphold Burning Man’s fire rituals and hold space for its ceremonial fire. The FC Council organizes and manages Burning Man’s annual Burn Night activities through the cultivation and development of fire groups, ensuring that hundreds of fire performers and safety personnel are not only compelling to watch during the night of the Burn, but effectively managed and safe within the perimeter that surrounds the Man called the Great Circle.
Top Banner: El Diabla created by Iron Monkeys, Center Camp, 2019 (Photo by Espresso Buzz)
2023 Opening Ceremony Video by Stewart & Melissa Eastep
