On September 2, the iconic Burning Man project, held annually in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, concluded spectacularly.

The last event drew over 73,000 attendees, who embraced the principles of radical self-expression and self-sufficiency while building their own camps and celebrating freedom and art. Among them were members of Misto Camp—a group of Ukrainian participants whose name translates to “city” in Ukrainian.

The Ukrainian presence at Burning Man stood out with three art installations called “Motankas” which captivated burners. They also introduced a taste of Ukraine to the global community by collaboration of Ukrainian chefs Yevhen Klopotenko, Dmytro Martseniuk, and Igor Pukasenko and serving traditional Ukrainian borscht—a first for the event. Additionally, Misto Camp hosted various cultural activities, including live music performances and workshops. One highlight was a flower crown-making masterclass led by Ukrainian fashion designer LAGANZA, which showcased Ukrainian traditions in a contemporary and engaging way. Through their contributions, Misto Camp brought a unique touch of Ukrainian heritage to the heart of Burning Man.

About the Sculptures “Motankas”

“Motankas” consist of three sculptures 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high: Sun, Sand, and Fire. They were created in collaboration with the artist Ola Rondiak. The Motanka sculptures serve as a talisman to protect and heal. Inspired by the ancient Ukrainian rag dolls which were passed down from mother to daughter for good health and fortune, the Motankas connect to the strength of ancestors. The sculptures reflect a determined spirit and stand strong in their unyielding fight for freedom.

Denys Kanel, the founder of Misto Camp, shared his vision:

Burning Man is the perfect platform for celebrating diverse cultures, traditions, and initiatives. At Misto Camp, our mission is to unite talented and accomplished Ukrainians while showcasing modern Ukraine to the world through art, culture, traditions, music, and delicious cuisine. We aim to shatter stereotypes and highlight the powerful, creative, and resilient spirit of our nation. Misto Camp is a welcoming platform for new participants who share this mission and aspire to represent Ukraine on the global stage in a contemporary and impactful way.”

Now, 4 months after their memorable participation at Burning Man, the Ukrainian Misto Camp remains an active and growing international community. The group continues to stay connected, hosting cultural events and exhibitions to further promote Ukrainian art, culture, and traditions. Recently, the “Motankas” sculptures were featured at the G-Gallery in SoHo, New York. In December, the gallery hosted a photography exhibition by the camp’s photographers alongside the premiere of a short film documenting Misto Camp’s journey and its unique contributions to Burning Man.

Plans for the Future

This year’s Burning Man was a transformative experience. Originally planning to serve 200–250 portions of borscht daily, the team exceeded expectations by serving at least 500, with demand showing no signs of slowing. Ukrainian art installations also attracted interest, further highlighting the impact of the camp’s efforts. The camp brought together a talented collective of creatives, including chefs, restaurateurs, DJs, designers, and architects. “Everyone believed in the vision of creating a modern camp that represents Ukraine with pride and dignity,” shared Denys Kanel, founder of Misto Camp.

What’s next? Looking ahead, the team aims to prepare even more thoroughly for future Burning Man events. Plans include welcoming additional talent, expanding the camp’s scale, enhancing infrastructure sustainability, and introducing more cultural initiatives. These efforts are designed to make the Ukrainian camp an even more captivating destination for visitors from around the world.

For Ukrainian campers, Burning Man is more than just a temporary settlement in the desert—it’s a cultural oasis that showcases Ukraine at its finest. By blending authenticity with modern innovation, they hope to continue sharing the creative and resilient spirit of Ukraine with the global community.

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