Santa Fe is preparing for the 102nd Burning of Zozobra, a tradition that drives away gloom and welcomes hope each spring. This year’s event carries a special national significance: it marks the United States’ 250th anniversary. Organizers have secured permission from Lin‑Manuel Miranda’s representatives to feature three iconic songs from the Broadway musical Hamilton—“You’ll Be Back,” “What Comes Next,” and “I Know Him.”
Local talent takes the stage
New Mexico native Adan Gallegos will lead the musical tribute. Gallegos, who grew up in Santa Fe, says the performance is a chance to give back to the community that nurtured his love of the arts. “I’m very proud of being a New Mexican. I’m very proud, Santa Fe, and I am very proud to bring this back to New Mexico,” he told local media.
Gallegos’ connection to Hamilton runs deep. After moving to New York City at age 18, he spent seven years working as an usher for the show, watching it more than 300 times. “I worked as an usher at Hamilton for over three years. I’ve seen the show over 300 times,” he recalled. While he never performed on Broadway, the experience gave him a unique perspective on the musical’s themes of tyranny, oppression, and redemption—ideas that echo Zozobra’s ritual of burning away sorrow.
Why “Hamilton” fits the Zozobra narrative
The three selected songs each explore the relationship between power and the people it governs. “You’ll Be Back” portrays a monarch’s threatened authority, “What Comes Next” questions the future after revolution, and “I Know Him” reflects on the lingering influence of a former ruler. Gallegos believes these narratives resonate with the burning of the “King of Gloom,” the towering effigy that symbolizes collective anxieties.
“I believe he is wearing the crown because he thinks this crown protects him. He thinks this crown is going to keep him from the flames of anguish,” Gallegos explained. “I don’t think it’s one worth missing.” His performance aims to use song to amplify that message, reminding the crowd that even the darkest shadows can be dispelled.
Community involvement and tradition
Gallegos first encountered Zozobra at age 11, when he joined the “gloomy” crew—a group of volunteers who help build and operate the giant puppet. By 14, he was a regular participant, thanks to longtime Zozobra director Ray Sandoval. Over the decades, he has remained connected to the event, returning now as a featured performer.
Mayor Alan Webber praised the collaboration, noting that the blend of local heritage and a nationally beloved musical underscores Santa Fe’s unique cultural identity. “Our city has always been a place where art, history, and community intersect,” Webber said. “This year’s Zozobra will honor both our New Mexican roots and the broader story of America’s journey.”
Event details
The Zozobra celebration is scheduled for May 15 at the historic Plaza de Santa Fe. In addition to the musical segment, the evening will include the traditional procession, live fire‑breathing, and the dramatic burning of the 50‑foot effigy. Admission is free, and the event is expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors.
For families, the day will feature a kids’ zone with crafts, storytelling, and a “Gloom‑Free” photo booth. Local businesses are offering special promotions, and several faith‑based groups have organized prayer vigils to bless the community before the flames rise.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the 250th‑anniversary Zozobra will set a precedent for future celebrations that blend local tradition with broader cultural touchstones. Gallegos plans to continue performing at community events, using his Broadway experience to inspire younger New Mexicans to pursue the arts.
As the city prepares to light the King of Gloom, Santa Fe residents are reminded that the spirit of resilience—whether expressed through song, prayer, or the simple act of gathering—remains the heart of the community.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
