Burning Man Festival . The Burning Man Festival is an annual event of almost mythical magnitude.  The impromptu burning of a human effigy on Baker Beach in San Francisco during the Summer Solstice back in 1986, by a small group dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance, was the beginning of an event which has grown to the titanic festival which can be seen today. The Festival is now held each year in the Black Rock Desert in the week preceding Labor Day.  Attendance numbers have to be capped at 50,000.  Tickets sell out almost immediately. Burning Man Fesitval Black Rock Desert, Nevada by Shannon Stapleton People watch the sunrise on the playa during the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock City, Nevada August 28, 2003.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton A man bows down to a lone Amercian Flag.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton A fire breather blows fire.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton A man wrapped in duct tape stands during a sandstorm at the Festival.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton Members of the Naobi Village perform an early morning ritual.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton A man going by the name 'Shaman Cat' stares off into sunset at the Burning Man Festival. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton Gladiators fight as people watch "Thunderdome" battles  based on the movie Mad Max. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton A man stands in the form of a cross during a sandstorm at the festival.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton People enjoy the afternoon happy hour at Pinky's Lounge at the Burning Man Festival.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton A woman cheers at the ceremonial Burning of the Man during the ending ceremonies of the festival. Shannon Stapleton/REUTERS The ceremonial Burning Man effigy is ignited with pyrotechnics at the Burning Man Festival.  Shannon Stapleton/REUTERS People charge the remains of the Burning Man effigy after the ceremonial burning.  Shannon Stapleton/REUTERS A man sits watching an art piece call "Domeland Security," at the Burning Man Festival REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton