Burning of Zozobra

Hey Toby -
Zozobra is just one piece of Fiestas de Santa Fe: a 300 year-old festival commemorating Spanish Gov. Don Diego de Vargas’ bloodless reconquest of Santa Fe in 1692 after the Spanish were driven out by the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. It's a really fun time to be in town (we have) for the food, music and dance performances, crafts, religious processions, etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiestas_de_Santa_Fe

Sadly, the one year we were there on the exact day they torched this thing, we were staying across town versus our usual accommodations at Fort Marcy Suites - walking distance from Fort Marcy Park where it takes place - and didn't want to deal with the parking and whatnot so didn't go. But no matter; Fiesta is one of those unique cultural observances that's well worth taking in, whatever bit of it you're able to do.

Here's the official website:
https://www.santafefiesta.org/history/history-of-fiesta-de-santa-fe/