Burning Man 2023, the 35th edition of the iconic gathering, took place from August 27 to September 4, 2023, in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, drawing an estimated 73,000 attendees under the theme "Animalia". The event faced early disruptions, including gate closures due to Hurricane Hilary and a protest that led to four arrests, while notable art like the Ukraine-themed "Phoenix" box and a 23-foot Hedgehog Temple were displayed, with celebrities like Diplo and Chris Rock in attendance. However, the event was severely impacted on September 1 when heavy rainfall triggered flash flood warnings, turning the playa into thick mud and stranding thousands as organizers closed the gate and advised sheltering in place. The treacherous conditions forced many to walk miles through the mud—including Diplo and Chris Rock, who hiked six miles to catch a ride—while the burning of the iconic "Man" was delayed and one fatality was reported. The exodus was further complicated by closed roads on Route 447, but organizers eventually provided buses from Gerlach, turning the event into a dramatic test of the community's self-reliance amidst the chaos.