Did you feel the heat in Santa Fe this past Friday? Old Man Gloom made his dramatic return for the 101st Burning of Zozobra! Thousands gathered to witness the fiery spectacle, releasing their worries into the night sky. What ‘glooms’ would you love to see go up in smoke?

The high desert city of Santa Fe recently concluded its iconic 101st annual Burning of Zozobra, a vibrant community celebration drawing an estimated 50,000 attendees to Fort Marcy Park. This cherished New Mexico tradition serves as a unique spectacle, symbolizing the collective release of anxieties and worries for thousands gathered under the night sky.

As anticipation peaked, the colossal marionette, affectionately known as Old Man Gloom, began its dramatic demise. Its mouth sputtered with sparks, a prelude to the fiery spectacle that ensued, capturing the attention of the vast crowd with its initial, almost defiant, burst of light.

Moments later, Zozobra’s head became engulfed in brilliant flames, shooting dramatically from its eyes while its arms appeared to flail in a final, captivating dance. This rapid combustion continued, quickly transforming the entire structure into a towering inferno, reducing the massive effigy to a smoldering pile resembling a grand campfire.

By approximately 9:50 p.m., Old Man Gloom had met its fiery, consistent fate, fulfilling its century-old purpose of dissolving the city’s collective ‘gloom’ into the atmosphere. For many, like first-time attendee Angelina Fryer, the event offered a timely catharsis, remarking, “It’s a year with a lot of anxieties, so it seemed like a good time to come.”

The festive atmosphere was further amplified by attendees embracing the event’s unique spirit, with many donning elaborate attire. Celenova Sierra, for instance, chose a purple corset, ruffled collar, and black heeled boots, explaining they “just felt like it” and sought to fully immerse themselves in the occasion’s vibrant energy.

The community celebration began much earlier in the day for dedicated participants. By 3 p.m., eager event-goers were already forming lines outside security gates, equipped with clear bags and camping chairs, patiently awaiting the 4 p.m. gate opening to secure prime viewing spots for the evening’s main event as vendors prepared their stalls.

The enduring appeal of this Santa Fe tradition resonated deeply with attendees like Cordova, who brings her 8-year-old son annually. She expressed appreciation for the event’s ability to maintain its historical roots while evolving for a modern audience, stating, “I like that they’re carrying on a 100-year-old tradition and bringing it into the 21st century.”

For newcomers, including siblings Priest and their friend Harmony Lopez, their inaugural experience at the burning was filled with eager expectation. They anticipated the symbolic release of their personal regrets as Zozobra ascended in flames, highlighting the powerful emotional resonance this cultural event holds for its diverse participants.