6 Ways to Spend Your Labor Day in The City Different

In many places, Labor Day is considered the end of summer and a time to begin winding down for autumn. In Santa Fe, Labor Day is a time to celebrate the kickoff of our autumn event season. We wash our gloom away in a fiery ritual, embrace the cooler temps as we run to the mountains for recreation, celebrate our harvest of regional staples, including world-famous Hatch green and Chimayo red chile, and still find time to celebrate the oldest continuous civic celebration in North America.

Here are a few tips for enjoying Labor Day weekend in Santa Fe.

100th Burning of Zozobra

August 30, 2024

The Burning of Zozobra celebrates its 100th anniversary as unique cultural festival held in downtown Santa Fe. Zozobra, a 50-foot high marionette, is stuffed with shredded paper on which is written the community's past year of worries and gloom. He is set aflame in a highly choreographed pageant amid fireworks and cheers and chants from the thousands of spectators who fill Fort Marcy Ball Park. Fireworks color the night sky as the gloom and doom of the crowd goes up in smoke. This event traditionally marks the kickoff to the Fiestas de Santa Fe. Get your tickets today as this event will sell out!

Oh, and the fun continues with on Saturday, August 31 with Zozobra: The Revenge, a musical fable with a libretto by Doug Preston, music composed and orchestrated by Joe Illick, based on a story by William Howard “Will” Shuster, Jr., the originator Santa Fe's very own Burning Man. Get your tickets today!

August 31–September 8, 2024

If there’s one tradition that captures the spirit of historic and enduring Santa Fe, it’s the annual celebration, Fiestas de Santa Fe, originating in 1712 to commemorate a shift in the cultural composition of The City Different. This event is the longest continuously running celebration in the US! With parades, dancing, concerts, art markets, and the Burning of Zozobra, Fiestas de Santa Fe is a feast for all the senses.

August 30–September 1, 2024

In the early 20th century, flamenco took hold and found a new home in the Southwest. Many of New Mexico’s earliest flamenco artists hail from generations old New Mexican families. They traveled from New Mexico to Spain, studying with local artists and practitioners, bringing their knowledge back to New Mexico to pass it on to future generations. Today, New Mexican flamenco is five generations strong and counting, and Santa Fe is one of the top destinations in the United States to see flamenco outside of Spain. Plan to ahead to see an illustrious performance at one of these fine locations: Entreflamenco, EmiArte Flamenco, and El Farol Flamenco.

Ongoing

The Margarita Trail promises to be one of your most memorable Santa Fe culinary adventures. Your adventure starts with purchasing the Margarita Trail Passport at any TOURISM Santa Fe Visitors Center or downloading the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store. With 50+ margaritas on the Trail to tantalize your taste buds, you’re sure to find a favorite or two! As an added bonus, with your Passport you will receive interactive maps and $1 off the signature Margarita Trail cocktail.

Take the Taste of Santa Fe Home

September is chile harvest month! Do as the locals do and purchase your year supply of green chile during this plentiful time. You may know that chile production has a significant impact on New Mexico’s economy. In fact, in 2023, New Mexico produced 46,750 tons chile, with an estimated value of $41.5 million, making it the top cash crop in the state. Join in the taste sensation. Just follow your nose to find roasters in parking lots across The City Different or at the Santa Fe Farmers' Market.

Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.