Photos of the Wildest Costumes at Burning Man Over the Years

With a festival that's all about art and self expression, it's only natural that costumes have become a huge part of the Burning Man culture.

It's not uncommon to see burners — as festival-goers are called — riding bikes around The Playa — the festival grounds — dressed in bunches of tule ...

Feathers have a fairly strong presence at the festival.

Whether they're attached to clothing as an accent feature ...

... worn as a crucial part of a costume ...

... or worn as part of an elaborate headdress, you can't go a day at the festival without seeing some feathers.

Some burners wear them on their heads while others wear them around their waists.

Headdresses are a popular accessory unto themselves, though.

Some headwear comes in the form of unicorn horns ...

... or deep-sea-diving helmets ...

... while others take the form of different animals like these twin, bird-shaped hair accessories.

Some headwear takes on more of an EDM — electric dance music — festival vibe with colorful, mesh tubes ...

... while others have more of a DIY feel.

Wigs are also a popular choice for Burning Man headwear.

People even match them to their outfits.

Colorful hair, in general, is a big trend on The Playa.

Check out this black and white mohawk.

Sometimes headwear is part of a full look like this ethereal outfit fully-equipped with wings ...

... this wearable crate with dalmatian-patterned accessories ...

... this springtime look with a watermelon top and shorts and a floral headband ...

... this carrot-themed costume ...

... this praying mantis ...

... and this genie-themed outfit.

You'll likely spot couples coordinating their costumes.

These two are wearing matching striped outfits.

Groups of friends also tend to dress in themes ...

... like this regal-looking group ...

... and that means sporting similar accessories, too.

Popular accessories include beautiful umbrellas ...

... backpacks for carrying around water, snacks, or offerings for fellow burners ...

... scarves — both for the look of them and to help block the dust during a storm ...

... seriously, so many tutus ...

... wide-brimmed hats ...

... goggles to protect against the dust ...

... and possibly the most ubiquitous of all accessories, bicycles.

Some festival-goers make their bikes look as funky as their costumes.

This red, devilish bike and costume is a full theme.

As is this bike and cart decked out like a horse and chariot.

But some are stand-alone works of art like this scorpion-themed bike.

Some accessories aren't as explicit. We're not sure what this was meant to be, but it looks like a mythical sea creature.

This woman is sporting horns, forehead jewelry, some sort of wig, and a white tank top.

This woman has the wig and high-socks combo going on.

Water guns seem like a very useful accessory in the heat of the desert.

One big style trend at the festival is the absence of clothing.

It's pretty common to see people without shirts or pants ...

... and sometimes without anything at all.

Some people wear full-face masks.

Check out this person who made themselves look like a dog.

Others just choose to cover parts of their face.

This guy spread the love in a red tutu, blue crop top, and a bowtie.

It can get so hot that burners can be seen wearing simply bathing suits and bra tops.

Some add flair to their swimwear, like the furry additions seen below.

One-piece bathing suits and bikinis alike, it's funny to see so many people in swimwear with no body of water in sight.

Face and body paint is also a big part of some costumes.

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