Zozobra is known as Old Man Gloom He is made from muslin and stuffed with hundreds of bags of shredded paper, Zozobra is a dark and eerie character, part ghost and part monster.

Zozobra is the enemy of all that is good, and casts spells of darkness and despair.

Zozobra appears just north of Santa Fe’s heart--the Plaza, at the appointed hour dressed in his finest black-tie attire. Despite the attendance of the Fiesta Court and anxious to embark upon his sinister plans, Zozobra becomes disgruntled at the time he has been kept waiting. While the townsfolk gather, Zozobra casts a spell over the children of Santa Fe to come to him, driving hope and happiness from their minds and replacing it with gloom and despair––they become his minions, -Gloomies. He asks his now-faithful army of the down-trodden Gloomies to wreak havoc on the city. Zozobra knew the citizens had created this fraudulent party to capture him. The Gloomies begin his wicked plan, but a brave group of torch-bearing townspeople arrives to challenge the gloom. As if waking from a nightmare, the Gloomies children return to reality and scatter at the sight of the bright light from the torches.

Zozobra howls in fury and waving his arms, trying to keep control over things, but citizens begin to chant“Burn him!” The Fire Spirit, materializes from the hopes, dreams and faith of citizens. Once summoned, the Fire Spirit battles in the darkness to vanquish Santa Fe’s oldest foe. Zozobra is set alight in a towering blaze of fire and smoke. He burns along with written messages from citizens of their woes and sorrows.

It all burns and a new day begins. The 50,000 people in attendance cheer and are happy once again…