On Friday, Aug. 29, local New Mexicans and people from all over the world gathered in Santa Fe to witness the burning of Zozobra, a 50-foot-tall marionette that has been stuffed with all the gloom from the last year. This year is the 101st celebration of Zozobra, and he was adorned with a Steampunk-inspired overcoat and hat. His right hand was decorated with gears and bright gold for a mechanical finish. People from all over came together to move on from the previous year's woes that Zozobra consumes and gains his power from. Zozobra released his minions, the Gloomies, to fight the Fire Dancer, Zozobra’s archenemy. The Fire Dancer freed the souls of the Gloomies as she danced across the stage, prancing a tango with Zozobra before lighting him ablaze. The idea behind Zozobra is to eliminate the hatred, fear, and every ill feeling that has plagued our minds into one being that burns into ashes, allowing us to move forward. The burning of Old Man Gloom is a celebration for everyone to enjoy, with family-friendly entertainment, live music, local food trucks, face painting and coming together as a community to enjoy an evening of bliss for all.
Eve Padilla-Salazar is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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PHOTO STORY: Welcome Back Days shines spotlight on student organizations, allows students to jumpstart their path
February 3The University of New Mexico held its second part of Welcome Back Days in the Student Union Building on Wednesday, Jan. 28. This day was centered around student organizations on campus, thus allowing students to get more information on how to become more involved and best suit their interests as they start a new semester. For those who love being active in sports, there were organizations represented such as UNM club tennis and Fusion ultimate frisbee. Those who love games could join clubs such as tabletop tavern or UNM’s chess club. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
