
Burning of Zozobra
About this event
The Burning of Zozobra is a cultural festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at Fort Marcy Park. The 2026 event takes place Sep 4, 2026. It holds a 3.8-star rating from 12 Google reviews. Santa Fe's iconic kickoff to Fiestas, where a 50-foot marionette symbolizing Old Man Gloom is set ablaze before tens of thousands of spectators. Writing down worries to feed the fire is a beloved ritual that ushers in the city's autumn celebration.
Annual, Friday before Labor Day weekend
Location & directions
Fort Marcy Park, 490 Bishops Lodge Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Frequently asked questions
When is Burning of Zozobra 2026?
Burning of Zozobra takes place Sep 4, 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Annual, Friday before Labor Day weekend
Where is Burning of Zozobra held?
Burning of Zozobra is held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at Fort Marcy Park, 490 Bishops Lodge Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
What is Burning of Zozobra?
Santa Fe's iconic kickoff to Fiestas, where a 50-foot marionette symbolizing Old Man Gloom is set ablaze before tens of thousands of spectators.
More cultural fairs in New Mexico
See all 17 →
RecurringTomorrowGallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial
A historic August gathering showcasing Native American heritage through juried art, tribal dances, rodeo, parades, powwow, and pageant events at Red Rock Park near Gallup.
RecurringIn 16 daysSWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market
The world's most prestigious Native American art market, where nearly 1,200 artists from roughly 100 Tribal Nations sell directly to collectors on the historic Santa Fe Plaza.
RecurringGreat American Duck Race
Deming's beloved and offbeat summer festival, where rubber ducks race for glory alongside hot-air balloons, a carnival, softball tournaments, craft vendors, barbecues, and nonstop entertainment at McKinley Duck Downs.
RecurringFiestas de Santa Fe
The nation's oldest community celebration, commemorating Don Diego de Vargas's peaceful 1692 reoccupation of Santa Fe with more than three centuries of tradition.
RecurringSanta Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
A five-day celebration pairing Santa Fe's acclaimed restaurant scene with wineries from around the world.
RecurringAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The world's largest hot-air balloon festival and New Mexico's most photographed event, drawing hundreds of balloons and nearly a million visitors each October.
Other fairs & festivals near Santa Fe County
Explore Santa Fe County →
RecurringSanta Fe International Film Festival
Six days of independent cinema at Santa Fe's arthouse theaters, including the Jean Cocteau Cinema, Violet Crown, Center for Contemporary Arts, and the historic Lensic.
Past event5(11)Art Santa Fe
It will feature highly collectible works of both emerging and established artists from across the U.S.
Are you the organizer, or spot something out of date? Help keep this listing accurate.
