ZOZOBRA: The Burning of Renewal

For the first-timer, it’s unlike anything one would expect.

Walking into Historic Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe seemed idyllically quiet. Vendors and security officers lined the outskirts of a scarcely populated park. The soft aroma of fried carnival food lingered in the air.

In the far distance, on a platform supported by tall cranes, it stood 50-feet high with a white exterior, bright orange hair and two giant eyes—Zozobra.

The Burning of Zozobra is a cultural celebration held annually on the Friday before Labor Day in Santa Fe. Made by local artists and stuffed with hundreds of pieces of shredded paper, Zozobra is a towering 50-foot high marionette personifying darkness and gloom. The shreds of paper contain ‘glooms’ from citizens of New Mexico and visitors from all over the globe, then witness the darkness and troubles of the past year burn away—to start anew.

In 1924, local Santa Fe artist Will Shuster created the first Zozobra in his backyard as a six-foot puppet. And over the years, it’s transformed into a cultural being of gloom. Organized by the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club to benefit children, Zozobra celebrated its 93rd year with a over 60,000 spectators.

The afternoon progressed and the crowd slowly grew. Music from local bands echoed throughout the park and swarms of families gathered on blankets in front of the statue to celebrate. As the sun set and the sky turned dark, the crowd swelled enough to fill the entire park and expand beyond its boundaries. The sea of people cheered as staff unleashed hundreds of beach balls while headlining Los Angeles band, Los 5 performed. Bubbles blew through the air and glow lights waved intently as people danced.

Then the lights went out.

A stillness permeated throughout the crowd as the sculpture lit up, groaning and moaning. Fire dancers swarmed the stage and fireworks exploded. The crowd stood with wide, unflinching eyes. “Burn him!” they cheered.

And then Zozobra lit up. The crowd erupted in cheers! His fiery being brightened the stage and the crowd stood, staring in awe. Small children sat on their parent’s shoulders as they watched him burn. Groups of teenagers stood together, waving glowsticks in the air.

Zozobra burned and moaned while his mechanical arms rose and fell in the air. His glaring neon-green eyes peered through the flames, scanning the crowd.

Behind the burning, an epic firework display erupted. Massive explosions and bright colors filled the sky and streamed along the stage platform. It was a display that undeniably humiliated any small-town Fourth of July show.

For nearly 10 minutes, Zozobra burned. All that remained were cranes and wire holding the sculpture together. What once stood as Zozobra dropped to the ground—glowing embers of glooms flying away.

The celebration ended with zero arrests, according to the Kiwanis Club. At the end, hoards of families, intimate couples and groups of friends made their way out of the park and into a renewed conscious.

For additional information, a countdown to next year’s August 31 celebration, memorabilia and all things Zozobra, visit burnzozobra.com.