Zozobra505 :
King George III, the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere are three things that, for most, likely conjure up images of the American Revolution — not Santa Fe’s annually ignited Old Man Gloom.
But Zozobra fans next year can see two worlds collide as the effigy is dressed as the controversial British king, powdered wig and all. The theme for the 102nd Burning of Zozobra will be “The Tyranny of Gloom vs. the Spirit of ‘76,” coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. “In a mischievous twist, Old Man Gloom will swagger onto Fort Marcy Field having plundered King George III’s royal robes, crown, and scepter — symbols of domination he hopes to wield over Santa Fe and beyond,” a news release about the next theme reads. “But just as America rose up 250 years ago to declare its independence, our patriotic Torchbearers will rally to strip Zozobra of his ill-gotten power and set the night ablaze with freedom from gloom.”
The torchbearers will — for the first time in event history — take the hill at Fort Marcy park, where they will throw off tea in a mock Boston Tea Party, event chair Ray Sandoval said. The fire spirit will take their own midnight horseback ride as famed figure Paul Revere, lantern in hand.
“We’re going to have some fun celebrating not only our history and culture in Santa Fe, but also our shared history as Americans,” Sandoval said. The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe has been working with the nonpartisan America250 Commission to develop the theme and commemorate the anniversary. Next year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 4, 2026, will feature a Revolutionary-era costume contest, according to the news release. Details for that will come in spring.
“By casting Zozobra as a would-be tyrant, we celebrate the enduring American promise that darkness and despair can — and will — be overthrown by unity, hope, and a good-natured burst of fireworks,” the news release reads.
This year’s Zozobra has a steampunk theme, complete with round glasses atop a rimmed hat. Past years’ themes have included nods to styles from various decades of history.
2025-09-01 18:20:40