Midburn (European Burning Man) – Israel 2025
Background & History
Midburn, Israel’s official Burning Man regional event, was founded in 2011 by Israeli burners inspired by the original Burning Man in Black Rock City, Nevada. Rooted in the Ten Principles established by Burning Man co-founder Larry Harvey in 2004, Midburn began with the “Mama Burn” event in 2012 at Bonim Beach, attracting 600 participants. The first official Midburn in the Negev Desert in 2014 drew 3,000 attendees, growing to 12,000 by 2018. Midburn is a temporary city built by its community, emphasizing radical inclusion, self-expression, and leaving no trace.
The 2025 event, themed “Let There Be Light,” reflects a commitment to healing and hope amid regional challenges, honoring Hagit Refaeli Mishkin, a community member killed in 2023 while preparing for Midburn, whose legacy of generosity continues to inspire. The event supports rehabilitation for victims of conflict, including survivors and evacuees, through radical inclusion initiatives. For more details, visit the official site at midburn.org.
Event Highlights
- Art Installations: Large-scale, interactive sculptures, including the central Effigy and Temple, are burned in ceremonial events symbolizing transformation and release.
- Theme Camps: Participant-driven camps offering gifts such as workshops, performances, communal meals, or immersive experiences like desert cafés or fire shows.
- Playa and Deep Playa: The central Playa hosts art, parties, and exploration, while the Deep Playa provides a quieter space for reflection and unique encounters.
- Community Services: Volunteer-run services like the Medical Clinic, Safe Zone, Nomads, and Center Camp ensure safety and support for all participants.
- Radical Inclusion Focus: Special initiatives for accessibility, including art cars for those with disabilities and support for conflict survivors, emphasizing healing and community.
Date & Duration
Dates: November 24 – November 29, 2025
Duration: 6 days
Venue / Location
Address: Ma’ale Akrabim, Northern Arava, between Dimona and the Dead Sea, Israel
Details: The temporary city of Midburn is set up in the Ma’ale Akrabim area of the Northern Arava, a secluded desert spot between Dimona (approximately 35 km west of the Dead Sea) and the Dead Sea. The site is accessible via Route 25 or Route 90, with a backup location prepared if needed. For precise directions, parking details, and updates, visit the official site at midburn.org.
Contact Information
Organizer: Midburn Association
Email: production@midburn.org
Website: midburn.org
Additional Contacts:
- Ticketing: tickets@midburn.org
- Support: support@midburn.org
- Press: midburnpress@gmail.com
- Content (Art & Theme Camps): content@midburn.org
- Accessibility: fly@midburn.org
- Safe Zone: safspace@midburn.org
Ticket Information
Tickets are sold online via midburn.org through a lottery system to ensure fair access.
- Adult Ticket: $300–$350 (estimated, pending final budget)
- Low-Income Ticket: $150–$175 (limited availability)
- Youth Ticket (ages 12–17): $100
- Child Ticket (under 12): Free
- Vehicle Pass: $40–$60 (required for parking)
Additional Info: Tickets are non-transferable without Ticketing Department approval (tickets@midburn.org). No on-site sales are available. Special allocations are reserved for department leaders, artists, and Theme Camp organizers, with priority for conflict survivors, evacuees, and those with disabilities. Accreditation for press and artists is available via midburnpress@gmail.com. For the latest ticketing updates, visit midburn.org.
Cultural Experience
Midburn is a vibrant celebration of the Ten Principles, including radical inclusion, gifting, and decommodification. Participants, known as Burners, create a temporary city filled with art, music, and performances, from fire dances to acoustic sets in the Playa. Costumes range from colorful, avant-garde outfits to practical desert attire, reflecting personal creativity. Theme Camps offer unique experiences like yoga sessions, art cars, or communal storytelling. The Temple serves as a reflective space for leaving tributes, burned in a solemn ceremony. This year’s “Let There Be Light” theme emphasizes hope, healing, and community, with a focus on supporting survivors of regional conflicts. The event blends Middle Eastern hospitality with global burner culture, fostering authentic human connections. For more on the Ten Principles and culture, visit midburn.org.
Food & Drinks
Midburn operates on a gifting economy with no commercial vendors. Participants must bring their own food and water, but Theme Camps often gift:
- Middle Eastern specialties like hummus, falafel, and flatbreads.
- Chai tea, coffee, or herbal drinks at pop-up dessert cafés.
- Freshly baked goods or shared meals from camp kitchens.
- Hydration stations with water and electrolytes, essential for the desert climate.
Attendees should bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person per day and non-perishable foods. The FooDonation Department (trumazon@midburn.org) collects excess food on the final day for local charities. For preparation tips, see midburn.org.
Family & Accessibility
Midburn is family-friendly, offering free entry for children under 12 and discounted youth tickets ($100 for ages 12–17). Family-oriented Theme Camps provide kid-friendly activities like art workshops or storytelling. The Accessibility Department (fly@midburn.org) ensures inclusivity with wheelchair-accessible paths and art cars for mobility-impaired participants. The Safe Zone (safspace@midburn.org) offers mental health support, and MITA (meetaburn@gmail.com) provides assistance for harassment concerns. The Medical Clinic (medicamp.midburn@gmail.com) operates 24/7. Special efforts in 2025 focus on including conflict survivors and those with disabilities. Visit midburn.org for accessibility details.
Getting There
- By Air: Fly to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv, 200 km from the Northern Arava. Rent a car or arrange a shuttle via midburn.org.
- By Bus: Egged or Metropoline buses run from Tel Aviv or Beersheba to the Northern Arava, with stops near Ma’ale Akrabim. Community-organized shuttles may be available; check midburn.org.
- By Car: Access via Route 25 or Route 90 to Ma’ale Akrabim. A vehicle pass ($40–$60) is required, managed by the Traffic Department (traffic@midburn.org).
- On Foot/Bike: The site is pedestrian and bike-friendly, with art cars offering rides. Bikes are recommended for exploring the Playa and Deep Playa.
Note: Bring all supplies, as no amenities are nearby. For travel updates, visit midburn.org.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is Midburn, and how does it relate to Burning Man?
Midburn is Israel’s official Burning Man regional event, held in the Northern Arava, following the Ten Principles of Burning Man, emphasizing art, community, and self-expression. It’s a participant-driven temporary city with no spectators. Visit midburn.org for details.
How do I purchase tickets for Midburn 2025?
Tickets are sold via a lottery system on midburn.org, with adult tickets estimated at $300–$350, low-income at $150–$175, youth at $100, and free for children under 12. Check midburn.org for lottery deadlines and updates.
What should I bring to Midburn?
Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person per day, non-perishable food, shelter, sunscreen, costumes, and a bike. Avoid items like glitter that violate the Leave No Trace principle. Preparation guides are available on midburn.org.
Is Midburn safe and accessible?
Midburn prioritizes safety with a 24/7 Medical Clinic, Safe Zone for mental health, and MITA for harassment support. The Accessibility Department ensures wheelchair access and art cars for mobility needs, with a 2025 focus on conflict survivors. Details at midburn.org.
How does the “Let There Be Light” theme influence the event?
The 2025 theme emphasizes hope and healing, with initiatives for radical inclusion, supporting conflict survivors, and enhancing accessibility. It encourages art and experiences that foster light amid challenges. Learn more at midburn.org.
