Episode 94: Puppet History: Zozobra

This week, your favorite ex-puppeteers turn up the heat—literally—as they dive into the towering, flame-bound tradition of Zozobra, the giant puppet who goes up in smoke every year at Santa Fe’s legendary Fiestas de Santa Fe.

Standing over 50 feet tall and packed with gloom (and a lot of fireworks), Zozobra isn’t your average marionette—he’s a full-blown cultural catharsis. We trace his origins back to 1924, explore how a papier-mâché behemoth became the ultimate community puppet, and share the behind-the-scenes secrets of how he’s built, operated, and finally set ablaze in front of thousands of cheering fans.

It’s history, ritual, pyrotechnics—and the rare puppet gig where being reduced to ashes is all part of the job description.

Because sometimes, the best way to deal with your inner demons… is to stuff them into a giant effigy and light a match.

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Original Music Composed by Taetro. @Taetro  https://www.taetro.com/

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