San Rafael Swell's Solar Eclipse Festival Unveiled

As we gear up for the approaching solar eclipse 2024, it's appropriate to look back on the magical solar eclipse festival that took place in the San Rafael Swell of Utah..

A weekend meticulously crafted by the imaginative minds of the Desert Soul Collective. Embraced by the desert's core, this spectacle presented an exceptional fusion of music, art, and celestial marvels.

A Walk Through The Desert

The pulsating heart of the festival resonated with stellar performances from TJADE, REDFOOT, Canyonlands , Alex Unbound, Jason Clayton, and many others. The stage, front and center, was illuminated by excellent lighting—beyond my expectations for such an intimate festival. The sound system, tuned to perfection, allowed for conversations in the pit while still feeling the thump of the bass. Two blazing fire pits not only fueled the rhythmic dance of the crowd but also provided warmth against the ever-chilling night. Adjacent to the fire, a refuge of refreshments and a chia bar awaited, complemented by a cozy corner I liked to call "The Living Room".

A Tapestry of Experiences

While I reveled in the location's remoteness, some attendees encountered a different narrative. Tales of popped tires, broken trailers, and electrical glitches added a touch of adventure to their journey. Yet, these challenges seemed to become the fabric of shared stories, weaving a tapestry of diverse experiences. No better place to be for a solar eclipse than fully immersed in the natural landscape that was carved many millennia ago. Any festival goer knows, minor inconveniences should be expected and prepped for, especially in the backcountry.

3 Minutes of Totality

The more remote location in the San Rafael Swell promised an extended view of the 2023's solar eclipse. I was personally stoked for 3 minutes of totality. Although, the 2024 Solar Eclipse is promising up to 4 Minutes of totality in certain areas. The pinnacle unfolded as the solar eclipse bathed the red rock mesa in its enchanting glow, a celestial ballet that captivated us all. The totality range was October 14th at around 10:30 AM. The merging of music and the eclipse on the grand mesa crafted a transcendental encounter—an instant where the energies of the earthly and cosmic realms effortlessly melded into one another.

Immersed in Creativity

Art unfurled in myriad forms across the festival grounds—live paintings, performance art, and the resounding beats of music. Rachel, the mastermind behind this cosmic symphony, orchestrated a stunning display of creativity. Fire performers ignited the night, captivating the attention of all. Several highlighted performances by artists Devi, Mercadi, and Rebi.

Yarnia: A Woven Wonderland

One of the festival's gems was "Yarnia," an immersive yarn art installation tucked away in a corner. Crafted by the talented artist Mark Thompson , "Yarnia" offered a ground-sitting vibe under a yarn umbrella/jellyfish/whatever you can imagine. “Yarnia”, a whimsical play on words, added a sensory delight to the festival's landscape.

Closing Thoughts: A Celestial Weekend

Over the deserts of the San Rafael Swell, Desert Soul Collective's Solar Eclipse Festival curated an expansive adventure; where the stunning landscape, pulsating beats, and the tapestry of art seamlessly merged. As we bid farewell to this celestial convergence, the echoes of the festival lingered, leaving behind memories of a weekend where creativity, community, and cosmic wonders aligned under the desert sky.