| Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Monday, at the Balloon Museum, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber came together to unveil the much-anticipated design of the Zozobra special shape hot air balloon. The Zozobra hot air balloon is sponsored in part by the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture and Tourism Santa Fe, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe. Albuquerque and Santa Fe, two iconic destinations renowned for their rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, have united to celebrate and preserve the essence of New Mexico’s beloved traditions: the burning of Zozobra and hot air ballooning, especially the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. Mayor Keller and Mayor Webber spoke on the significance of these events in showcasing the unique culture and spirit of New Mexico, and both cities have embarked on a collaborative effort to promote tourism and highlight the best of what the state has to offer. Both mayors touched on the reach and impact of these cherished traditions, inviting visitors from far and wide to experience the magic firsthand. “We honor our shared cultural heritage and cherished traditions that define New Mexico,” said Mayor Keller. “Our partnership aims to celebrate the values of family and community, weaving in our shared passion for what makes New Mexico special and unique and the two events you can’t find anywhere else.” “This collaboration is another example of the partnership between our two cities,” said Mayor Webber. “There’s a cultural corridor that connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque and it benefits both our residents and visitors.” Burning of Zozobra, organized by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, is an annual event symbolizing the community’s unity and resilience. Zozobra, or Old Man Gloom, is a towering effigy that represents gloom. Its set ablaze, releasing worries and troubles. It was announced last year that the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe planned to manufacture a hot air balloon that would debut at the centennial Burning of Zozobra in 2024. It was revealed during the press conference that the balloon is, indeed, a special shape and will make its inaugural appearance at the Balloon Fiesta this year. The 100th Burning of Zozobra will take place at Fort Marcy Ballpark in Santa Fe on Friday, August 30. Tickets are available at https://burnzozobra.com/. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® is the world’s largest celebration of man’s first flight technology- the hot air balloon. During the nine-day fiesta in Albuquerque, balloon enthusiasts from around the world come together to enjoy an art form that has delighted spectators and participants for two centuries. The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is October 5-13 at Balloon Fiesta Park. Tickets are available at https://balloonfiesta.com/. High resolution images of the Zozobra hot air balloon can be accessed at here. |
