Santa Fe's Burning of Zozobra: Banish Gloom in an Iconic September Tradition
Discover "Zozobra," also known as Old Man Gloom—Santa Fe's time-honored ritual for shedding the year's worries. This towering 50-foot puppet, stuffed with notes of anxieties and troubles submitted by the community, dramatically burns to ashes on Friday, September 2, at Fort Marcy Park in the City Different.
Launch your Labor Day weekend with this unique, high-energy event—one of the region's most vibrant and enduring celebrations: The Burning of Zozobra!
Origins of Zozobra
Created in 1924 by artist Will Shuster and annually recreated by the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club, Zozobra symbolizes the foe of joy. Inspired by Mexico's Yaqui Indians' Holy Week effigies of Judas—paraded and ignited with firecrackers—Shuster and friend E. Dana Johnson named it "Zozobra," Spanish for "anguish or gloom." The first was the centerpiece of a private artist-writer party at Shuster's home.
Creator Will Shuster in front of the Zozobra head. (Photo courtesy of New Mexico Museum of Art Library and Archives, 1949)
A 1930s-style Zozobra ignites during last year's burning at Fort Marcy Park. (Photo courtesy of Eddie Moore, The Albuquerque Journal)
The Decades Project: 1940s Edition
In anticipation of Zozobra's 2024 centennial, the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club's Decades Project recreates the event decade by decade, incorporating era-specific music, art, and culture. The 2016 edition transports attendees to the 1940s World War II era—a pivotal time for Santa Fe, the U.S., and the world.
Zozobra in the 1940s. (Photo courtesy of The Burning of Will Shuster's Zozobra)
Marking the 77th anniversary of WWII's start (September 1, 1939) and the 75th of Germany's yellow Star of David mandate for Jews (and markings for others), the Kiwanis partnered with the Santa Fe Jewish Center - Chabad for a Holocaust Memorial and candlelight vigil at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, at Fort Marcy Ball Park, honoring victims and survivors.
Fireworks and chants of "Burn him!" light up Fort Marcy Park on September 2. (Photo courtesy of The Burning of Will Shuster's Zozobra)
The Burning of Zozobra: Essential Details
Video by Luke Fitch
Entertainment kicks off at 3:00 p.m. on September 2 at Fort Marcy Park, with ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. (rain or shine). Arrive by 8:30 p.m. for the best view. View the event map.
Over 48,000 spectators at last year's Burning of Zozobra. (Photo courtesy of The Burning of Zozobra)
Tickets: $10 adults; free for children under 10. Purchase online. Parking: $5 flat fee in city downtown facilities from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. Shuttles from lots and expanded free bus service from the South Capitol Rail Runner station. See the interactive parking and shuttle map.
This revered event isn't for the claustrophobic, faint-hearted, or very young. Planning an overnight stay? Book your hotel early for Labor Day weekend.
Explore more: Five Santa Fe Events to Ignite Your Labor Day. Order your 2016 Santa Fe travel guide and check Deals & Specials.
