WOTAN City, Ladonia — On January 28th, Ladonia observes Burning Day, a solemn yet empowering holiday that commemorates the first great fire at Nimis in 1985. This day serves as both a reflection on the challenges Ladonia has faced and a celebration of its resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
The fire of 1985 was a pivotal moment in the history of Nimis and Lars Vilks‘ artistic vision. Nimis, the driftwood labyrinth and cornerstone of what would later become Ladonian identity, was severely damaged by the flames. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Vilks, who would declare Ladonia an independent nation 11 years later, redoubled his efforts to rebuild and expand the artwork. This act of turning loss into an opportunity for growth and innovation embodies the spirit of perseverance at the heart of Burning Day.
Traditional Observances Burning Day is marked by ceremonies and activities that symbolize renewal and creativity:
- The Lighting of the Driftwood Flames: Citizens gather to light small, controlled driftwood bonfires in homage to the original materials of Nimis. These flames are a reminder of both the destructive and transformative power of fire.
- Storytelling Circles: Elders and artists share tales of Ladonia’s history, recounting not only the fire of 1985 but other moments of struggle and triumph that have shaped the nation.
- Art Reconstruction Workshops: Participants engage in collaborative art projects, using salvaged or recycled materials to create new works inspired by Nimis. Popular items for building include Starbucks straws (to keep them out of landfills—plus they are Ladonian green) and popsicle sticks, which can be purchased in bulk from most craft stores.
Reflections from the Queen
In her annual Burning Day address, Queen Carolyn often emphasizes the importance of resilience and community. Last year, she stated: “Burning Day is not just about remembering what we’ve lost; it’s about honoring how we rise from the ashes, stronger and more united than before.”
Adding to these reflections, the new Prime Minister, Theresa Villeneuve, who hails from the Los Angeles area recently affected by devastating fires, shared her perspective: “… you should celebrate and enjoy art while you can. You never know when a disaster can strike and you may not have the chance again. It’s trite, but given the fire stories I’ve been seeing in LA, it rings true for me.”
A Day of Renewal
Burning Day also serves as a time for personal reflection. Many Ladonians take the opportunity to “burn away” negative thoughts or past regrets by writing them down and symbolically consigning them to the flames. However, participants are strongly urged to be very careful with open flames and only burn items in safe, controlled environments. This act represents letting go of the old to make way for the new.
As Ladonians come together to honor this day, they are reminded that from destruction can come creativity, and from loss, renewal. Burning Day stands as a testament to Ladonia’s enduring spirit and the unyielding bond of its citizens.
For more information on Ladonian National Holidays, or to add these special days to your computer’s calendar in your preferred language, visit the official Ladonian calendar at ladonia.org/ladonian-calendar/, where an .ics file is available for download.
