Safety measures for 102nd burning of Zozobra
The 102nd burning of Zozobra will take place Friday at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe, with organizers implementing strict security measures and crowd management for the expected 50,000 attendees.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
The 102nd burning of Zozobra is set to take place Friday at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe, with organizers preparing for an expected crowd of 50,000 and emphasizing safety and security measures.
Zozobra, known for its dramatic roar and fiery end, will once again carry away the year’s gloom. This year, Zozobra has stolen King George’s crown, scepter, and robes.
Attendees are encouraged to pack light to speed up entry. “If you have to bring something in, bring it in a clear backpack, right. Or a little fanny pack that you have that you can wear,” Ray Sandoval, Zozobra Event Chair, said.
Security at the gates will include multiple layers of screening. “You’ll be going through a magnetometer, you’ll be going through a wanding area. But we do those kind of seamlessly so we can get you into the park pretty quickly,” Sandoval said.
Prohibited items include weapons, coolers, strollers, purses, and water bottles. Free water refill stations will be available inside, and lockers can be rented for $10 to store non-allowed items. Cloth folding chairs are permitted, and attendees can bring their own food, but it must be repackaged in clear plastic bags provided at the gates. “What you’re going to do is you’re going to take that bucket of chicken. We’re going to give you a free food grade clear plastic bag. You’re going to dump that chicken in. And so that way when you go through security, you can hold it up. We can make sure there’s nothing but chicken,” Sandoval explained.
For those bringing medical equipment, organizers will tag bags to ensure they are allowed inside.
After record-breaking attendance at the 100th burning, organizers have capped attendance this year and are using a large police presence and technology to monitor the crowd. “We have drones. So that way we can monitor our gates. We can look to see whether or not there’s a backup at our ticket gates. And then we can address problems almost immediately,” Sandoval said.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy entertainment and live music from headliner Ozomatli. No one will be allowed into the park after 8:15 p.m. Friday night. “Come on down, burn your gloom,” Sandoval said.
Free shuttles will run from the South Capitol Rail Runner station starting at 5 p.m. Friday.
