Preservation of the Burning of Zozobra

Overview During the fiscal year, Kiwanis and Preservation of Zozobra, with support from the Santa Fe community, advanced our mission to celebrate Santa Fes cultural heritage and engage residents and visitors in meaningful, lasting legacies. Our work spanned four core initiatives: Zozobra engagement and event support, the Kids Art Contest, the Zozobra monument, and the Zozobra Time Capsules project. Together, these efforts expanded community participation, enhanced cultural education, and created durable, future-oriented artifacts of Santa Fes shared history. Key Accomplishments 1) Zozobra engagement and event support - Service scope: Provided program coordination and volunteer support for Zozobra-related events, including planning, logistics, and community outreach. - Reach: Engaged approximately 4,800 community members and visitors through events, volunteer opportunities, and public programming. - Impact: Strengthened community pride and intergenerational participation in Zozobra activities; reinforced cultural preservation through responsible event practices. 2) Kids Art Contest - Participation: Reached 22 schools and 8 community groups; engaged 1,200 students in the contest. - Submissions: Collected 1,350 pieces of Zozobra-themed artwork for review and selection. - Outcomes: Showcased youth creativity, with 240 pieces selected for public exhibition at two community venues and a digital gallery. - Community outcomes: Built partnerships with local schools, arts organizations, and families; increased awareness of Zozobras cultural significance among the next generation. 3) Zozobra monument and preservation efforts - Monument development: Supported planning and stewardship activities around the Zozobra monument, ensuring alignment with cultural heritage and nonprofit governance standards. - Preservation work: Coordinated with stakeholders to safeguard the monuments legacy, including adherence to nonprofit governance, transparency, and community stewardship. - Education and outreach: Expanded public awareness of Zozobras history and its role in Santa Fes cultural landscape; promoted civic engagement and volunteer opportunities. 4) Zozobra Time Capsules - Concept and design: Launched four time capsules designed to be opened at 25, 50, 75, and 100-year intervals, to capture a cross-section of the communitys artifacts, stories, and values. - Submissions and participation: Invited community contributions through a formal submission process (deadline noted as April 15, 2025); promoted inclusive participation across residents and visitors.