SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Santa Fe holds the nickname “The City Different.” There’s perhaps no better way to see that in action than a Labor Day weekend tradition that culminates in the burning of a massive, 50-foot-tall effigy stuffed with grievances from the past year. We call it the Burning of Zozobra, and on Friday, Aug. 29, that tradition became 101 years old.
People began trickling into Fort Mercy Park right around 4 p.m. that afternoon. Attendees scattered picnic blankets and set up lawn chairs along the grass below Old Man Gloom. This year, he dawns a tan hat with goggles and a long coat. His right hand looks nearly mechanical – a darker tan adorned with gold, swirling highlights.
This year’s theme? Steampunk – a relatively young subculture, when you compare it to the century-old tradition. And when we spoke to a man who’s been to nearly a fifth of these burnings, he only shared excitement for what the 101st year brings. “This year’s probably gonna be the most spectacular that I’ve seen in the past decade,” said Michael Valencia, a Zozobra fan of twenty years. “The reason being… Look at him.” Valencia went on to tell us how his uncle, Ron Martinez, is responsible for the effigy’s animations. According to Valencia, this is Martinez’s last year at the event before he retires. And when it comes to the way Old Man Gloom moves, this year brings a new feature. The near-mechanical hand will come to life as the effigy burns.
Come 6 p.m., Old Man Gloom overlooked a significantly fuller field. The area towards the back of the park filled out with food trucks and vendors of various natures. Lines sprawled out in all directions with faces both young and seasoned alike. At the merch booth, the year’s offerings had already begun selling out. And just over an hour later, the first signs of sunset had begun to rear their head. With the sun setting below the horizon, anticipation of the doom awaiting Old Man Gloom began to set in.
Behind the scenes, performers lined up – from dancers to bands and a variety of speakers. And after a performance of the National Anthem, the Fire Spirit took the stage right past 9 p.m. alongside a groaning Old Man Gloom. She danced on the stairs leading up to the effigy as fireworks harmonized with a chant Santa Fe knows well, “Burn Him.” And that they did. When he caught fire, the crowd erupted. His groans amplified until they came to a close, and Old Man Gloom collapsed to the ground. Burnt glooms littered the stage and the crowd danced as fireworks continued to pop off, then slowly tapered off, until a peaceful air fell over the field.
Organizers are not yet certain how many people attended the 101st burning. Last year, there was over 50,000.
