History
The Russian art project Cradle of Mir makes its first appearance at Burning Man. The first Moscow Decompression draws around 1,000–1,500 people.Moscow Decompression is where our story begins. A Decompression is a city-based event traditionally held for participants after Burning Man.Back then, Moscow Decompression was a commercial event, but one inspired by Burning Man and echoing its look and feel. Its organizers were the creators of Cradle of Mir, a large-scale art installation at Burning Man 2013 that went on to become iconic.After this event, the organizers began to see themselves as part of one community — Russian Burners. From that community emerged Ogonyok and Kholodok — noncommercial gatherings fully aligned with Burning Man’s principles. For us, they became far more than just parties or festivals.
The KulturHaus project took part in Burning Man, followed by a Moscow Decompression that drew around 1,500–2,000 visitors. The event was still commercial, but now featured many professional artists and performers.
The Own Way art project took part in Burning Man, followed by a Moscow Decompression where the first organizing departments began to take shape.
The Banya (Steamology) project brought a traditional Russian steam bath to Burning Man. Back in Moscow, Decompression had grown into a large-scale event, featuring 52 artists and drawing around 4,000 visitors.For the first time, the organizers realized that events built around commercial principles were at odds with their values and could not capture the spirit of Burning Man, however closely they recreated its visual style.Ideas for new gatherings began to emerge and take shape in discussions, eventually leading to Ogonyok and Kholodok.
The first open-air Ogonyok brought together 172 participants. It already featured Iskorka — the festival’s central art installation, now an Ogonyok tradition — as well as a Temple, DPW (Department of Public Works), art installations, and the first theme camps — groups of participants united around a shared project. This was the year Russian Burners fully took shape as a Burning Man regional community. The name was chosen together with one of Burning Man’s leaders, an American with Russian roots.A Moscow Decompression planned on a grand scale was canceled at the last minute. That marked the end of Moscow Decompression as a commercial event.
Ogonyok “Union” brought together around 1,000 participants.Decompression “It's Not What You Think” — 500–800 participants, no guests.
The first Kholodok brought together 271 participants. This winter gathering combined outdoor activities with indoor events at a rented holiday retreat.Ogonyok “Dreams” — 811 participants.Decompression “Nothing Special” — 850 participants.
Kholodok 2.0 — 505 participants.Ogonyok “Life Forms” — 1,234 participants.
Kholodok “Love” — 937 participants.Ogonyok “Aromorphosis” — 2,222 participants.
Kholodok “Kaleidoscope” — 1,165 participants.“Forest Dream” — 700 participants.Decompression “Some of Us Are Still Out There” — 581 participants.
Kholodok “What's the Point?” — 1,165 participants.Ogonyok “Force of Attraction” — 1,462 participants.Decompression “It's What You Think” — 1,130 participants.
Kholodok “Cultural Code” — 1,513 participants.Ogonyok “Balance” — 2,308 participants.Decompression “Echo of Fire” — 1,022 participants.
Kholodok “People” — 1,335 participants.
Ogonyok “Gently” — 1,767 participants.
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