The Burning of Zozobra ranks as one of the most popular things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an event that should be on everyone’s calendar. Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Zozobra.
If you have other questions not answered here or need answers by phone, please call the Zozobra Hotline at 855-969-6272. Please do not call city or county emergency services as they are busy helping our community elsewhere.
GLOOM-FREE QUICK TIPS
Get to the venue before 8:00 pm. There will be multiple layers of security so the less you bring the easier it will be to get in and have fun with us! The venue gates close at 8:45 pm.
- CLEAR BAGS ONLY. Sorry, that means NO purses or backpacks, and even diapers and medical supplies must be in clear bags. Allowed bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm. NO buckles, grommets/hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag.
- Sorry, but NO strollers or wagons allowed. We understand that traveling with kids to an event can be challenging, and we truly sympathize with the added effort it requires. However, strollers and wagons create potential hazards so for your safety and the safety of others, they are not permitted in the venue. To save yourself the hassle, we ask that you please plan ahead to bring the kids without a stroller or wagon. If you do bring a wagon or stroller, it must be checked in for free safe storage at the Bike Valet, located in the Montezuma Lodge parking lot next to the Scottish Rite Center. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
- There will be locker trucks available on-site if you bring non-allowed items. If you bring your own food, you will need to put it in one of the free food bags we provide for you.
- You can also save the hassle of going through the food exchange! Grab a bite at one of Santa Fe‘s awesome restaurants before you show up or get treats from our many vendors on-site.
- No canned or bottled liquids or water bottles pf any kind are allowed. Enjoy free purified drinking water and cool collectible Zozobra cups or buy water, soda or lemonade from our many vendors.
- Plan ahead to walk in or catch the last shuttles at the South Capital Rail Runner station. The last ADA shuttle and the last regular bus will leave at 8:30 pm.
Want more details? Check out this complete guide to attending Zozobra.
What is Zozobra?
Zozobra, also known as “Old Man Gloom,” is a unique and beloved cultural event in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It features the burning of a giant 50-ft. marionette, symbolizing the dispelling of the year’s hardships and gloom. It consistently ranks as one of the most popular things to do in Santa Fe, and draws an international audience, both in person and online.
“Zozobra” is Spanish for “anxiety” and “shipwrecked.” The term was coined by Zozobra creator and Santa Fe artist Will “Shus” Shuster in 1924.
This tradition, rooted in local history and folklore, creates a spectacular public ceremony filled with music, dance, and fireworks.
When is Zozobra 2025?
Zozobra 2025 will take place on Friday, August 29, 2025. Zozobra is traditionally celebrated on the Friday before Labor Day. The event commences the historic Fiestas de Santa Fe, marking the beginning of a series of cultural celebrations in the city.
Where is the Burning of Zozobra held?
The Burning of Zozobra is held in Zozobra Field at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
When do the gates open for Zozobra 2025?
Gates open at 4:00 pm, and the entertainment will begin then. Official ceremonies begin at 6:00 pm. We recommend you arrive by 8:00 pm. The burning of Zozobra happens rain or shine, so no matter the weather, OLD MAN GLOOM WILL BURN!
Where can I buy tickets for Zozobra?
Tickets for Zozobra can be purchased online or at various ticket outlets in Santa Fe. Early purchase is recommended as the event often sells out.
How much are tickets to Zozobra 2025?
- Ticket prices vary but until July 31st, General Admission Zozobra Tickets purchased online are only $30, and KIDS 10 & UNDER ARE STILL ABSOLUTELY FREE! So buy early and save money!
- New Mexico residents who buy their tickets through August 14 will receive a discount! General Admission ticket prices will be $35 on August 1, 2025.
- If tickets are not sold out on the day of the event, General Admission Tickets will be $40 per person online and at the gate. Purchase in advance to save!
- The Burning of Zozobra is a “standing to view” experience except for “Z”-Zone Premium Viewing and Z Whole Enchilada, which include the only seating at the event.
What happens during the Zozobra event?
One of the Top Things To Do in Santa Fe, the Burning of Zozobra includes live music, dance performances, vendors and food trucks selling food, a beer garden, and a merchandise booth for 2025 Zozobra clothing and collectibles. Then comes the highlight of the evening…the ceremonial Burning of Zozobra, a towering marionette effigy, which is set ablaze amidst a spectacular fireworks display. The burning symbolizes the release of the past year’s worries and gloom.
Can I participate in the Zozobra event?
Yes, volunteers are always welcome to help with Zozobra and other event preparations. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and contribute to this historic event. Interested? Check out all the details on volunteering.
How do I add my Glooms to Zozobra?
There are two ways to add your Glooms to Zozobra: Online or at a Gloom Box.
Submit glooms online up until 8 pm. A gloom box is placed near the TV stage at the Lost and Found Hutton Broadcasting Tent up until 8:00 pm. Many people bring notes, divorce decrees, and other legal papers, photos, and other flammable mementos, but no dangerous items are allowed. The items are placed in Zozobra right before showtime.
Gloom boxes are located at the following Santa Fe locations:
- The Santa Fe Convention Center Visitors Office, located at 201 West Marcy Street until 12 noon on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
- At ZozoFest, located at Santa Fe Place Mall in the space next to Boot Barn on Saturday, August 23, 10 am- 6 pm and Sunday, August 24 from 10 am-4 pm
- On Zozobra Day, Friday, August 29, 2025, at Fort Marcy Park in the Hutton Gloom tent until 8 pm.
Is Zozobra kid-friendly?
Zozobra is exceptionally friendly for kids and it’s an event that brings out the child in everyone who attends. There are activities and performances designed to entertain children, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.
We understand that traveling with kids to an event can be challenging, and we truly sympathize with the added effort it requires. However, for your safety and the safety of others, strollers and wagons are not allowed due to potential hazards. To save yourself the hassle, we ask that you plan ahead to bring the kids without a stroller or wagon. Please note that no wagons or strollers of any kind are allowed at the event. If you do bring them, they must be checked in for safe storage at the Bike Valet, located in the Montezuma Lodge parking lot next to the Scottish Rite Center. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
What can I bring with me?
- To protect everyone, all items must be in clear, plastic bags (12”x12”x6”) or in a one-gallon Ziploc bag. There will be a locker truck onsite for you to place any non-allowed items for $10 a locker.
- You can bring food and medical supplies in clear bags only, but no liquids or water bottles will be allowed. There will be free water stations and free decorative cups.
- You can ride your bike and park it safely at the FREE Bike Santa Fe Valet on Paseo de Peralta in the parking lot west of the Scottish Rite Center.
- Sorry, we understand that traveling with kids to an event can be challenging, and we truly sympathize with the added effort it requires. However, for your safety and the safety of others, no strollers and wagons are allowed due to potential hazards. To save yourself the hassle, we ask that you plan ahead to bring the kids without a stroller or wagon. Please note that no wagons or strollers of any kind are allowed at the event. If you do bring them, they must be checked in for safe storage at the Bike Valet, located in the Montezuma Lodge parking lot next to the Scottish Rite Center. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
What shouldn’t I bring?
- NO purses or backpacks, clear plastic bags only.
- Please NO wagons or strollers of any kind are allowed in the venue, they must all be checked in at Bike Valet in the Montezuma Lodge lot.
- NO coolers, open containers, water bottles, personal water bottles, or glass containers of any kind.
- NO cuts, colors, wallet chains, or insignia clothing.
- NO weapons of any kind: no knives, pocket knives, nunchucks, leatherman or multi-utility tools, mace or pepper spray. NO firearms, NO concealed carry and NO open carry weapons even with permits. Weapons will be confiscated and not returned.
- NO alcohol or recreational drugs.
- NO metal chairs but collapsible, umbrella-style cloth cloth camping chairs will be allowed in General Admission viewing only.
- NO tables, tents, tripods or large equipment.
- NO chairs, camera tripods, or large equipment in premium viewing areas due to space limitations
- NO large beach or old-fashioned umbrellas with pointed tips, only small folding umbrellas no larger than 12” in diameter.
- NO pets, except for service animals as defined by ADA regulations.
- NO lasers or flashlights of any size or type; they will be confiscated and not returned.
- NO drones of any size or type; they will be confiscated and not returned.
- NO bicycles, unicycles, or skateboards.
More detailed information can be found on our Guide to Attending Zozobra page.
How do I get to Zozobra?
You have several options for getting to Zozobra, but please note that parking in the neighborhood around Fort Marcy Park isn’t one of them. Check out our Getting There page for full details on the complimentary shuttles.
Are there road closures for Zozobra?
Yes, there will be several road closures for the event. These closures are detailed on our Getting There page.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Zozobra?
Be a Fire Spirit and do have fun and get rid of all your gloom but don’t be like Zozobra and cause gloom for others. The Burning of Zozobra is meant to be a fun, festive event to help everyone rid themselves of the past year’s gloom and doom.
How long has Zozobra been a Santa Fe tradition?
The Burning of Zozobra has been a cherished tradition in Santa Fe since its inception in 1924 by artist Will Shuster. The Burning of Zozobra is not only one of the top things to do in Santa Fe, it is one of the oldest and most unique cultural events in the United States, drawing visitors from all over the world.
How many people attend Zozobra in Santa Fe?
Zozobra is one of the most popular things to do in Santa Fe. According to Wikipedia, each year over 60,000 people attend the event, and hundreds of thousands watch online.
How tall is Zozobra?
Zozobra is a 50-foot-6-inch tall fully functional marionette — the original “burning man.” The Burning of Zozobra sends everyone’s worries up in smoke and brings positive energy back into the world.
What is Zozobra made of?
Zozobra, Old Man Gloom, is made of wood, wire, poultry netting, cotton cloth, nails, screws, pulleys, plywood, spray paint, pizza pans, and duct tape! He is then stuffed full of shredded pieces of paper on which are written the “glooms” of people. Old Man Gloom weighs in at about 3,000 pounds just prior to showtime. That’s a lot of gloom!
Which came first: Zozobra or Burning Man?
Zozobra, by more than a few decades. The citizens of Santa Fe have been burning Zozobra since 1924, while the origins of the Burning Man festival in Black Rock Desert, Nevada started in San Francisco in the 1980s.
Where can I learn EVEN MORE about the Burning of Zozobra?
Glad you asked! Here are 14 Things to Know About Zozobra, which expands on some of the answers covered here, plus our complete guide to attending Zozobra 2025.
