Old Man Gloom
September 21st, 2010 by John WolfeRevisiting Old Man Gloom (better known as Zozobra) for 2010. The forty-nine foot tall, 1600 pound, spooky effigy was burned two weeks ago in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with all the cares and concerns of the attending crowds.
The autumn tradition of destroying Zozobra is symbolic of removing old fears and worries, allowing room for the new joy and prosperity to be welcomed in. Once again, I didn’t attend, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching YT user, nemec3rd’s footage of the event!
Here’s a list of some of the items used to create “Old Man Gloom” (courtesy of Zozobra.com): wood, wire, poultry netting, muslin, nails, screws, pulleys, plywood, shredded paper, spray paint and duct tape.
That list sounds an awful lot like the arsenal of a home haunter to me. 
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September 21st, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Oh, you’re taunting me! I so wanted to go this year but was in the midst of personal upheavel and a move. I will be going next year. It’s on my bucket list and I must experience it with all the fanfare and noise and heat…
September 21st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
I thought about you as I was posting this (but in a kind way, not in a taunting manner
), cause I know you’ve been wanting to attend. Next year will be so perfect for you, though, as it will be a great way to represent/welcome the new experiences in your life!
September 21st, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Burning dolls? That’s just all wrong! What a horror! Remind me to never go to New Mexico
September 21st, 2010 at 8:12 pm
You know my brother was telling me that they have that up in Reno to. In fact they just had one because we got caught up in the traffic of the burning man. Didn’t even know Bro knew anything about it. He said it’s really cool once it’s lit and burning but then it’s like, “ok….show’s over, time to go home.” LoL, I guess somewhat of a quick climax for something that’s been building up all day, perhaps all week long. Those are always cool to watch so thank you for sharing this video John.
LoL…..now that the backyard is greet again and “happy” there are dozens of birds that come down for a visit. It’s amazing what a little TLC and watering will do for the gardens. Just wait till G sees it….though I’m expecting no reaction but for me it’s rewarding to see how peaceful things looks again around here. Have a great day!
September 21st, 2010 at 11:27 pm
What an awesome event, I had never heard of this until now. But now I will add it to my own bucket list. thanks for sharing man.
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:28 am
Wow, that is an amazing festival. I would love to see that. To my knowledge there is nothing like that anywhere near Nashville. That needs to change.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Dale The Doll,
That’s not all. In the more mountainous regions of the state, I hear they have lumberjack competitions where broad axes are thrown at ventriloquist dummies! New Mexico loves dolls. You should come on out, I’m sure you’d be welcomed with open arms.
Goldie,
Though I’ve never been to Zozobra, I can relate to what your brother is saying when it comes to any gathering like that, just in a slightly different way. Once I start to anticipate the show is almost over, I get out of there so I don’t get caught up in all the congestion and traffic. I’m always the first one to leave events like that and they usually do come to a close pretty rapidly. The burning of Zozobra may be different, however, cause it launches the start of a three day fiesta in Santa Fe. I’m not certain, but they may have even more events taking place on the same night after he’s been burned.
I’m a huge fan of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, especially the night glows where they keep the balloons on the ground and hit all the burners at the same time to put on a big light show. The Balloon Fiesta is a huge draw (people come from around the world to see it and to participate in it), so you can imagine how congested it is leaving the area near the balloon field. I learned my lesson at a glow one year and now I always make it a point to arrive early and leave early.
That’s great news about the garden, both for your enjoyment and for the birds! Have a great day, too!
Matt Culver,
Thanks for watching and commenting. Between you and autumnforest, I now know two of you guys are making Zozobra a must-see event… very cool!
Ethan,
I might be wrong, but it does seem the whole burning man event is more of a southwest/west thing. Must be something about living in the desert that makes people like to light effigies on fire.
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Sounds like loads of fun. Thanks for providing us the virtual visit. It is much appreciated!!
Cheers!
September 23rd, 2010 at 9:52 am
lol – That’s interesting, though somewhat disturbing. I “get it” but there’s something very creepy about people cheering while burning effigies, particularly one that moves….or did move.
September 23rd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Hey you kids ! Get the effigies out of my yard !
September 24th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
The Frog Queen,
Thank you!
Dex1879,
That’s a good point. Though I like the custom of Zozobra (especially with it being a tradition that also sort of welcomes autumn), I think the personification via the voice creeps me out the most. Thanks for watching and for commenting.
Barry Huddleston,
Who is Clint Eastwood’s character in Gran Torino. Oops, my bad — I thought we were playing Celebrity Charades, Jeopardy-style.