Get ready, Santa Fe! The 101st Burning of Zozobra is almost here, but it’s not without its talking points. From controversial tree removals to a dazzling new steampunk theme and animated fingers on Old Man Gloom himself, this year’s cultural event promises an unforgettable night. Are you ready to banish the gloom?

The iconic Burning of Zozobra, Santa Fe’s beloved tradition of banishing gloom, is set to ignite for its 101st iteration amidst both long-standing excitement and recent controversies, promising a spectacular yet carefully managed experience for attendees.

Scheduled for Friday, the centennial-plus event will officially commence at 6 p.m., with the towering Zozobra marionette expected to go up in flames around 9:10 p.m. following the national anthem. Organizers have capped attendance at 50,000 this year, a direct response to overcrowding complaints from the previous centennial celebration, aiming for a smoother experience.

A significant point of contention leading up to this year’s Zozobra event was the controversial removal of 12 Siberian elm trees from Fort Marcy Park. This decision, aimed at improving sightlines from Magers Field and mitigating long-standing safety concerns, sparked protests and discussions about city transparency within the Santa Fe community.

Event chair Ray Sandoval expressed his hope that the enhanced view from Magers Field, a direct result of the tree removal, will encourage attendees to remain in that designated area. This strategy aims to prevent the previous issue of people crossing an arroyo into Fort Marcy Ballpark in search of a better vantage point for the Burning of Zozobra.

Beyond the controversial changes, organizers have implemented several key logistical improvements. These include dynamic exit signs to guide crowds efficiently, advanced drone technology for security analysis, revamped entrance gates, more streamlined food service, and the introduction of female-only portable toilets to address past feedback and enhance visitor comfort.

This year’s Zozobra burning embraces a vibrant steampunk theme, a Victorian turn-of-the-century aesthetic inspired by steam-powered technology. Old Man Gloom himself will be “dressed to the nines” in elaborate steampunk attire, and for the first time, will feature animated fingers on one hand, adding a new layer of spectacle to the New Mexico tradition.

Despite the controversies, the spirit of community engagement remains central to the Santa Fe event, with over 900 volunteers contributing to the event’s $1.1 million budget. As of Wednesday, approximately 37,000 of the 50,000 available tickets had been sold, indicating strong public interest in the beloved cultural event.

Event chair Ray Sandoval mused that controversy itself aligns with Zozobra’s essence, stating, “We can disagree, but one of the things that we need to do is we all need to be partners in upholding our amazing, rich cultural tradition.” He views Zozobra as a bright thread in Santa Fe’s cultural tapestry, actively welcoming public feedback for continuous improvement.