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Zozobra Burns: Santa Fe's Gloom Goes Up in Flames
5 Sep
Summary
- The 102nd annual Burning of Zozobra occurred in Santa Fe on Friday.
- This year's effigy, dressed as King George III, symbolized the theme "The Tyranny of Gloom vs. the Spirit of '76."
- The event unofficially begins the Fiesta de Santa Fe, a celebration dating back to 1712.
The 102nd annual Burning of Zozobra took place in Santa Fe on Friday, drawing tens of thousands to Fort Marcy Park. This significant event saw the ceremonial torching of a large marionette, symbolizing the collective gloom and anxieties of the community.
This year's Zozobra, affectionately known as "Old Man Gloom," was adorned as King George III, fitting the event's theme, "The Tyranny of Gloom vs. the Spirit of '76." This theme honored the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, with the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe partnering with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The burning of Zozobra serves as a prelude to the week-long Fiesta de Santa Fe, a tradition that commemorates the city's recapture in 1692. Historically, the Fiesta de Santa Fe has been celebrated every September since 1712.
Locals shared personal connections to the Zozobra tradition, highlighting its role in community bonding and catharsis. For many, the event is a cherished ritual where shared struggles and past adversities are symbolically purged, allowing for unity and collective release before the September festivities.
