Among the most common questions this time of year is, “Are you going to Zozobra?” Usually, the average person in Santa Fe responds with. “Of course!” This year, however, fear has led several people to respond by saying, “No, it’s just too scary these days.” This damn fear sucks.
For example, my niece has been attending Zozobra all her life. She even gave the man that became her husband his first kiss from her during the burning. But this year, she’s just too scared. She’s afraid of a mass shooting and will stay home and forego her tradition. When my niece told my wife that she was too afraid, my wife then became afraid. She told me, “Maybe we shouldn’t go this year. A lot of people are telling me that they think something bad will happen.”
I said, “Fuck that. We’re going because of all this fear.” I simply hate that anyone is afraid because of those psychotic people who commit heinous acts of hate and violence. The El Paso shooting hit home for many people here in Santa Fe and people are scared. I get it. BUT….Here’s my prediction for the burning of Zozobra:: Santa Fe will come together and celebrate as a community and our Public Safety and Emergency Management teams will protect us, just as we will protect each other.
Santa Feans aren’t always nice to each other. Hell, sometimes we downright despise one another (mostly for stupid reasons). But for community events, i believe in my hometown and I will never let fear detract from our traditions that make Santa Fe what it is. Tourists and outsiders may not get Zozobra — but burning Old Man Gloom is a tradition and whether or not there’s any meaning behind this tradition, it is our tradition to celebrate.
So, we need to come together without fear and celebrate as a community. We need to take care of each other and in doing so, we will stand up to forces of fear and hate. I believe in us. I believe in our community leaders. And to Hell with anyone who would attempt to ruin that which is ours. I hope to see everyone, enemies and friends alike, at the burning of Zozobra. Que Viva Las Fiestas!! (if you haven’t already, you can purchase tickets here: Buy Tickets.
