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The 102nd Burning of Zozobra

Fri September 4, 2026
Zozobra Field at Fort Marcy Park
Santa Fe, NM 87501 US
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🦅 Ready to join the uprising? 🦅
This is more than a burning—it’s a 102-year-old tradition meeting 250 years of American spirit. Let’s make history together!

ZOZOBRA 2026 TO FACE THE SPIRIT OF ’76
102nd Burning of Will Shuster’s Zozobra salutes America’s Semiquincentennial
 
Santa Fe, NM—The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe is proud to announce that the 102nd burning of Will Shuster’s Zozobra,
scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026, will ignite with revolutionary flair.
 
Theme: “The Tyranny of Gloom vs. the Spirit of ’76”
In a mischievous twist, Old Man Gloom will swagger into Fort Marcy Field after plundering King George III’s royal robes, crown, and scepter—symbols
of domination he hopes to wield over Santa Fe and beyond. 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. Keep an eye on the horizon—rumor has it that
Paul Revere may gallop in, lantern held high, to warn us that “One if by land, two if by gloom!”
 
Why 1776 in 2026?
The 102-year-old tradition joins the nationwide semiquincentennial observance marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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.
 
“Zozobra has stolen the regalia of the crown, but he can’t steal our optimism,” said Ray Sandoval, Zozobra Event Chair.
“We invite everyone to stuff their worries into his hollow frame and watch them burn away in a blaze of revolutionary joy.”
 
“Partnering with America 250 events allows Santa Fe to contribute its own unique voice to the national story,” added Sandoval.
“Nothing says ‘independence’ like 50 feet of gloom going up in smoke.”

✍️  📜 Declare your independence from gloom. Claim your spot in the revolution!   📜 ✍️


All experiences are limited and expected to sell out.
Gloom doesn’t stand a chance!

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🎟️ ENLIST FOR THE 102ND BURNING OF ZOZOBRA! TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 19, 2026! 🎟️

Get ready to overthrow gloom in a blaze of revolutionary joy! Early bird PATRIOTIC DISCOUNTS will be available from April 19-26. Don't miss your chance to secure your spot at the 102nd Burning of Zozobra on Fri, September 4, 2026, and salute America's Semiquincentennial!

 🦅 Special Revolutionary Offers: 🗽

New Mexico Residents: Apply your residents' discount for $5 off General Admission
🧒🏽Kids 10 and Under: Always FREE in General Admission
🎒Student Patriots (11-23 years): Always just $15 in General Admission
💂Active or Past Patriots (US Military Active or Veteran): $10 off in General Admission
✍️Older Patriots (Seniors): $10 off in General Admission

Choose from 8 premium viewing areas with 2 seated options!

Some sections even offer valet delivery to your seating area for your convenience!
Enhanced ADA sections
Every Ticket Purchaser gets a keepsake LED wristband to participate in the show - Kids 10 and under FREE in General Admission can purchase a wristband here
Experience the magic, excitement, and community spirit of Zozobra! Grab your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable night!
Don’t wait—get your tickets today! Let’s make this year’s event one for the books!
 

Every Ticket Purchaser gets a keepsake LED wristband to light up the night for freedom (Kids 10 & under attending FREE in General Admission can purchase one to join the luminous rebellion).

Experience the magic, excitement, and revolutionary spirit of Zozobra! Grab your tickets starting on April 19, 2026, and be part of this unforgettable night, where we send 250 years of symbolic gloom up in smoke!

Don’t wait—join the revolution! Let’s make this year’s event one for the history books!

WHERE YOU WILL SEE Z'S DEMISE?

🦅🎟️ Get Your Tickets Now for the 102nd Burning of Zozobra! 🎟️🦅

🔔Join us for an unforgettable "Spirit of '76" celebration! With a limited capacity of 50,000 patriots, you'll enjoy a more comfortable experience featuring premium viewing options and expanded ADA access. We've listened to your feedback and will provide free water stations, enhanced facilities, and perfect photo ops.📜

💥Witness a cutting-edge spectacle: a dazzling drone show, breathtaking fireworks, and thousands of synchronized LED wristbands creating a sea of light.🗽

🐍Embrace the revolutionary theme—don your colonial, patriotic, or festive fashions—and create lasting memories as we overthrow the Tyranny of Gloom! 🧱

Tickets are on sale NOW! Don’t miss out on this incredible event—grab your tickets today!

View All 2026 Zozobra Tickets Together

Event Location

Zozobra Field at Fort Marcy Park
200 Murales
Santa Fe, NM 87501 US View Location on Map

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