![]() Shuster and friends wrote their worries, or gloom, on pieces of paper to be thrown into the fire and burned. ![]() The first effigy was made of wood, wire and cloth, and was 6 feet tall. ![]() The name Zozobra originated from a Spanish word meaning anxiety, or uneasiness. The first burning of Zozobra coincided with Fiestas and took place in the autumn, a traditional time of year when old, or negative energy, is symbolically burned to make way for new, positive energy. In many cultures around the world, fire acts as a symbol of purification, rebirth, regeneration and renewal. Having traveled to Mexico, Schuster was inspired by the burning of effigies in local celebrations such as lighting Judas figures on Good Friday of Holy Week. Zozobra is a relative newcomer, appearing more than 200 years after the first proclamation of an annual Fiesta celebration.Ĭreated by artist Will Schuster in 1924, Zozobra’s first appearance took place in a backyard party of the famed Los Cinco Pintores. Santa Fe is unique in that it is the only celebration to include the burning of a giant effigy. Fiestas exist throughout New Mexico and the southwestern United States, each city or town celebrating on its own special date. He also signals the opening of Fiesta weekend in Santa Fe, culminating an entire season of events including live music, processions, parades and bailes. He has always been associated with the end of the tourist season in Santa Fe, when locals once again find parking downtown or enter one of our favorite restaurants without an hour wait. Now celebrating his 99 th year, Zozobra is older than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Tree. As the final days of August near, the excitement and anticipation grow for the burning of Zozobra, a/k/a “Old Man Gloom.” A dazzling display of fireworks, lights, music, groans, shouts of “burn him”, and joy signal the beginning of “Holiday Season” for many a New Mexican. The last days of summer, the return of crisp mornings, and the welcome scents of autumn signal the coming of September and in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the new season is welcomed with a bang. The sun sets slightly earlier each evening leaving a golden glow upon the land, and the first smells of green chile roasting fill the air. The sweltering days of an extremely hot summer are finally cooling down.
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