I had dinner at Plaza Cafe Southside and noticed all these posters of Zozobra. I looked it up online, and it seems really cool. I wanted to ask those who’ve been to the Burning of Zozobra before—what was your experience like? Is it kid-friendly, how crowded does it get, and what’s the overall vibe?
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It’s absolutely awesome—one of the best fireworks shows we’ve ever seen. Definitely kid-friendly. It’s also a bit eerie, but in a good way, hearing thousands of New Mexicans chant “Burn him!” It feels like letting go of the bad and embracing the new.
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It’s a sort of “Gabacho” take on a tradition some churches used to have in Mexico.
I went as a child in '85 and found it strange and unsettling. I went again recently as an adult, and I still found it odd and creepy, but it was more theatrical this time.
If you’re up for being among thousands of drunk people shouting “burn him” at a giant puppet, I highly recommend it.
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It’s definitely the biggest public event in Santa Fe. There are a lot of people smoking weed and being publicly intoxicated, but overall, the crowd is pretty relaxed. After the event, everyone heads to the plaza for more festivities. If your kids are sensitive to loud noises, it might not be the best event for them.
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I love everything about it except the music. It’s a fun, lively, semi-pagan event, but the soundtrack feels like it’s from your uncle’s garage band.
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I went last year and won’t be returning.
The event felt disorganized: the hosts were awkward, the music was either bland or awful, and the fire-spinning community, which had been part of the event for years, no longer performs (though they still have their own separate area).
Additionally, the lights are aimed directly at you from the statue pyre, it doesn’t run on schedule, security was a hassle (no water allowed), and the crowd was unfriendly.
I wouldn’t recommend it at all.
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That sounds terrible. As someone who has attended many Zozobras over the years as a New Mexico resident, I’ve always enjoyed them. I’m curious about what changed. Were there new organizers this time? I’m really sorry you had a negative experience.
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