The 100th Burning of Zozobra was an event of monumental scale, blending deep tradition with a spectacular display. We started our journey by catching the Rail Runner at the Montaño station.
The train ride was smooth, and we arrived at the South Capitol Station in Santa Fe with excitement building. However, the logistics soon became apparent as we joined a long line for the shuttle to Fort Marcy Park, waiting approximately 45 minutes before finally boarding.
Navigating the Crowd and Security
The sheer number of attendees was overwhelming, with over 65,000 people gathering to witness the centennial event. After disembarking from the shuttle at Paseo De Peralta and Bishops Lodge Road, we joined the throng of people moving towards the primary security checkpoint. The line split between general admission and Express Entry, with the latter offering a faster route.
We chose to experience the regular line, which took about an hour to get through, including a final security check at Artist Road. The entire process, from shuttle to park entry, was a testament to the event’s popularity and the logistical challenges it presents.
The Pre-Show Festivities
Upon entering Fort Marcy Park, we were met with a maze of people, many of whom had set up camping chairs, adding to the challenge of finding a good viewing spot.
The event was already well underway by the time we settled in, with performances from the Red Bull Batalla rap competition, Innastate, and the Black Pearl Band. The torch, a central symbol of the night, was handed to Helene Luna, the current “Fire Dancer,” who announced her successor, Than Povi Martinez, set to begin in 2027.
The Spectacle Unfolds
As the main event began, the atmosphere shifted to one of anticipation. Beach balls bounced through the crowd, and the stage came alive with Mariachi Euforia, MaaTuu Pueblo Dancers, and a drone show that highlighted the evening’s centennial theme.
Local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Santa Fe and the Governor, took the stage, leading into a powerful electric guitar rendition of the National Anthem by Patrykk Ortiz. The choice of “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy to start the show perfectly captured the significance of this milestone event.
Zozobra, animated and looming over the park, began to move as the lights dimmed. His moans and groans, paired with eerie music, set the stage for the arrival of the gloomies—his minions. The drone show added to the spectacle, forming words like “Gloom,” “Stress,” and “Anxiety” before morphing into ghostly shapes and a giant “100 Years” to commemorate the event.
The Climax: The Battle Against Gloom
The night’s narrative unfolded as the gloomies performed their ritual, celebrating their dominance. However, the townspeople, dressed to represent each decade since the event’s inception, soon took the stage with pitchforks and torches, determined to save their children from Zozobra’s influence. The struggle between good and evil was visually stunning, with the drones forming the shape of New Mexico and the words “Santa Fe” as the townspeople ignited bales of hay, symbolizing light and hope.
Zozobra’s anger grew as the Fire Spirit, portrayed by Helene Luna, emerged to challenge him. Her dance, accompanied by fireworks and dramatic music, built to a crescendo as she taunted Zozobra with her torch.
The drones continued to play a pivotal role, forming a fiery depiction of Zozobra’s head with the words “BURN HIM!” echoing the crowd’s sentiment.
The Burning and the Celebration
As the Fire Spirit ignited Zozobra, sparks flew from his body, and he let out one final, furious scream.
Now forming a smiley face, the drones signaled the end of gloom as the effigy collapsed in flames. The fireworks reached their peak as the Santa Fe Fiestas Council and members of surrounding pueblos took the stage, celebrating the victory over gloom with dance and music.
The drones displayed Will Shuster’s signature, a fitting tribute to the man who started it all.
The Aftermath and Departure
As the event concluded, the crowds began to flood the streets, chanting “Viva La Santa Fe” and “Viva la Fiesta,” marking the official start of the Santa Fe Fiestas.
The journey back was long, with another hour spent in line for the shuttle, but the experience was well worth it. Waiting for its final departure, the Rail Runner provided a smooth and easy end to our night.
Final Reflections
The 100th Burning of Zozobra was an incredible blend of tradition, community, and spectacle. This year’s event was especially packed due to the centennial celebration, drawing crowds far larger than usual.
While the 101st burning may not be quite as crazy, it will still be an event not to miss. The logistics of navigating such a large event were challenging, but the sense of shared experience made it all worthwhile.
This night will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, not just for its historical significance but for the way it brought people together to celebrate the triumph of hope over despair.
If you’re looking to attend Zozobra for the first time, be sure to read: How to Experience Zozobra: Tips for First-Time Attendees
