Hello Everyone,
We’re beyond excited to invite you all back to Black Rock City in 2026. Our ongoing commitment to gather, socialize, teach, discover, and spread the joy of fire is stronger than ever!
In this Issue:
📌 The Meaning Behind the Procession
📌 The Luminists Defined
📌 Ticketing Info
📌 Duties and Obligations
📌 The Application Process
Contact Us: Scorch@burningman.org
The Meaning Behind The Procession
Burning Man is permeated with rituals. From the playful invitation to make angels in the dust that greets every participant who enters Black Rock City, to the Temple Burn that signals its release. These rites speak of soulful need; the desire to belong to a place, to belong to a time, to belong to one another, and to belong to something that is greater than ourselves. Image by: EspressoBuzz.
Burn Night activities within the Great Circle begin with the Procession. On Burn Night, the fire that has been burning all week long will be transferred to a special lantern called the Luminferous. The Procession, with the ceremonial flame as its core, then proceeds to the Great Circle where the largest convergence of Fire Performers (the Fire Conclave) utilizes that same flame to start their dances dedicated to the Man. As the Procession makes its way around the Great Circle, a torchbearer from each Sentinel Team will approach the Luminferous as it passes, light their torch from its flame, and return to their post to hold space between Fire Conclave Groups. The Great Circle slowly becomes illuminated…
The Luminists Defined and Re-Imagined
With fire breathing Stilters carrying giant torches of fire, along with fire performers and safety personnel, the Luminists make up a part of the Procession Ritual that travels around the Great Circle bringing with them an element of beauty and illumination. They act as an integral part of the ritual, bringing the sacred flame to the Great Circle for all to experience.
This year we have re-imagined the Luminists to be a more equitable and inclusive group. The Luminists are now 3 separate crews in 3 different geographical locations: Las Vegas, Austin and New York City. This redesign allows people throughout the U.S. wider access to practices, allowing a more diverse and equitable selection of participants. We hope you’ll join us!
Ticketing Info
Participation in Luminists is limited. The Crew of 30 people is made up of Stilt-Walkers, Fire Performers and various Safety Personnel. Those chosen will receive discounted, non-transferable guaranteed tickets through the Fire Conclave. There will also be a limited number of Vehicle Passes available. All tickets are held at Will Call.
Not only are you part of the Ceremonial Procession that transfers the Sacred Flame to the Great Circle on Burn Night, but you’ll get to perform for hundreds of fire spinners and thousands of Burners on Burn Night. Some Luminists will also be invited to perform at the Opening Ceremony / Lighting of El Diabla Cauldron that officially kicks off the week on Monday.
Duties and Obligations
Please understand that the following obligations are conditions to the participation of each and every one of us in the Luminists.
- Complete the application and audition process (details below)
- Attend the MANDATORY on-playa Safety Meeting on Wednesday afternoon of Burn Week (more details to come)
- Pick up your Great Circle Access Pass (GCAP) on playa, at a date and location specified (more details to come)
- Be at each designated meeting/performance place on time (varies depending on which Rituals/Groups you are assigned to).
Image By Grant Palmer
The Application Process
Each interested applicant is required to submit the Luminist Interest Form (link below). We are specifically looking for:
- Stilters/Fire Breathers
- Fire Performers
- Trained Safety and Fueling Personnel
The purpose of the Interest Form is so that we can assess your skills and experience in the above areas.
On the form you will also be asked: Why do you want to be a Luminist? This question will be used as a secondary screening process, so please be sure to include what being a part of this community means to you.
We highly encourage everyone to participate!
Here is the link to the official Luminist Interest Form for 2026. The form to sign up is now live. Deadline to submit is: May 15, 2026 at midnight (12:00am PST)
https://forms.gle/o3N4PjArNM82547K6
Join the Community. Stay Informed.
A place where you can stay informed regarding The Luminist Crew happenings, announcements, photos and videos!
Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireconclave/
Ignite Your Inner Fire…
Christian Carr
Carla X Infect
Sage Sovereign
~Luminist Team Leads
Cover Image by: Grant Palmer, Burn Night Luminists, 2025
