As a child, my family and I would make the one-hour drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe every year for Zozobra. We’d pile into our old station wagon, sometimes with family friends in tow, and spend the day exploring, eating, and finding the perfect spot to sit and watch the magic unfold.
I remember once asking my dad why we did this every year. His answer has stayed with me ever since: “We wash away our regrets, worries, and fears from the last year, and welcome the harvest to give thanks.”
It’s worth noting that my dad was a Midwesterner and a priest for many years. Zozobra is not a Catholic tradition—it is a New Mexican one. Rooted in the heart of this state, it was created to bring a community together. While the idea that Anglo, Hispanic, and Indigenous people always got along is far from true, Zozobra acknowledges that painful history. In the burning of Old Man Gloom, we are invited to release those burdens into the flames and give thanks for the communities that have since grown out of that past.
Growing Up with Zozobra
I went to Zozobra every year until I turned twenty. Over time, I watched the event evolve. In the early days, it wasn’t always pleasant—there were nights when fights broke out and tensions ran high. But today, Zozobra has transformed into a family-friendly gathering that draws people from all over the world, all coming for the same reason: to wash away their worries and start fresh.
One of my last memories of Zozobra is also one of my most personal. The final time I attended was the last night I saw one of my best friends. A few days later, he was killed in a motorcycle accident. I haven’t yet returned to Zozobra to truly release that grief and give thanks for the gift of his friendship. Someday, I hope to.
What Zozobra Teaches Us About New Mexico
To me, this is the essence of being a New Mexican. Our state carries deep historic pain and struggle. Violence, hardship, and loss are part of our collective memory. Yet, for those willing to hold space for healing, New Mexico also offers moments of profound beauty and love.
Standing under the desert sky, surrounded by community, and watching Old Man Gloom burn to ash—it feels almost otherworldly. Zozobra reminds us that while we cannot erase the past, we can let go of what no longer serves us, honor what we’ve lost, and step forward with gratitude into what lies ahead.
If you’re considering moving to New Mexico, you’ve probably already heard about the state’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and one-of-a-kind lifestyle. But one event in Santa Fe captures the spirit of New Mexico like no other: the burning of Zozobra.
Known locally as Old Man Gloom, Zozobra is a massive 50-foot-tall marionette that’s set ablaze every September during one of the state’s most iconic events. For newcomers, understanding this tradition offers an important glimpse into what makes living in Santa Fe and life in New Mexico so unique.
What Is Zozobra?
Zozobra began in 1924 when artist Will Shuster created the first effigy as a way for the community to release their worries. Each year, locals and visitors alike submit “glooms”—symbolic items like old papers, regrets, or personal notes—which are placed inside Zozobra before he’s burned.
When the figure goes up in flames, so do the collective anxieties of the past year. It’s a community-wide reset, a tradition that beautifully embodies the New Mexican way of blending art, culture, and spirituality into everyday life.
Why Zozobra Matters for People Moving to New Mexico
When people think about relocating to New Mexico, they often focus on the scenery, the sunshine, and the slower pace of life. But events like Zozobra show that the state offers so much more than just good weather—it’s about community, creativity, and renewal.
Community Connection: Moving somewhere new can feel overwhelming, but Zozobra immediately makes you part of something bigger. Thousands gather in Santa Fe every year, from long-time residents to first-time visitors, sharing in the joy of letting go and starting fresh.
Cultural Immersion: Santa Fe is known as an artistic hub, and Zozobra reflects the city’s mix of Indigenous, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions. For anyone considering living in Santa Fe, this is a chance to experience firsthand how deeply the arts are woven into daily life.
Symbolic Fresh Start: Relocating to a new state often feels like the start of a new chapter. Zozobra’s burning mirrors that process, making it a perfect metaphor for new beginnings in New Mexico.
Living in Santa Fe: More Than Just an Event
Zozobra is just one example of why Santa Fe consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in New Mexico. Between the city’s world-class art scene, historic architecture, mountain views, and cultural traditions, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
For anyone thinking about moving to New Mexico for a better quality of life, Santa Fe’s community rituals like Zozobra highlight exactly what makes this state so welcoming and unique.
Final Thoughts
The burning of Zozobra isn’t just a festival—it’s a cultural anchor that reflects the values of renewal, creativity, and community spirit. For people who are curious about relocating to Santa Fe or New Mexico, this annual tradition is more than just a spectacle—it’s a reminder of why life here feels different in the best possible way.
If you’re ready to trade stress for sunshine and community, you might find that moving to New Mexico—just like watching Zozobra burn—is the fresh start you’ve been waiting for.