Nox Non Familae

Pronounced “knocks non fa-mee-lee-yay”
Roughly translates to “a night without family”

Nox Non Familea is a voluntary experiment in social interaction…
A way to break free of the bounds of your comfort zone…
A catalyst of new friendships…
A commitment that you make, to yourself…
A mission.

Here’s how it works.

You, or you and your significant other, pick one night at Burning Man to leave your camp and your friends. On that night, you seek out a new group. This group could be another camp in your village, a camp outside your village, or even a group of people walking down the Esplanade.

But, and this is important, it should be a group that is slightly different from the burners that you would normally hang out with. For example, if you are young, find an older group… if you are extroverted, find a quiet group… if you are scientific, find an artistic group… etc.

When you have found a group/camp, introduce yourself and let them know that you are participating in Nox Non Familea, and give them a short explanation. (Stop by the bar if you want a flyer that explains Nox Non Familae – you can show the flyer to your group when you approach them). Then ask them if it would be okay if you spent a few hours hanging out with them.

You could hang out in their camp, go out and explore the playa with them, help them with their project, or even just party with them… whatever. But, spend the time trying to learn about them. Tell them your tale as well. Experience their vibe. Try to embrace their differences.

Some groups might not want to participate, and that’s fine. If that’s the case, just move on to another group. But I have a hunch that most burners would welcome you.

And, at the end of the night, you will surely have a good story or two to share with your ‘familea’… and perhaps have some new friends, and maybe even some new perceptions.

Life is short!
Break free of your boundaries!
Meet new people!
Share your life!
Learn from others!
Life is for the living!
Because, after all… “Omnes Una Manet Nox”

– Admiral Painjoy