ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Lottery has announced a chance for New Mexico artists to feature their artwork on a Zozobra 2025 Scratcher and win $1,000.

For the last 100 years, the Burning of Zozobra has taken place in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Zozobra is a 50- foot-tall marionette stuffed with items meant to be forgotten. He waves his arms and roars as his archenemy, the Fire Spirit, dances around him waving blazing torches. Thousands cheer as the Fire Spirit sets Zozobra ablaze and flames engulf his paper-filled form. Staged by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, this annual event takes place at the end of summer to say farewell to worries and troubles of the last year and set spirits ablaze with hope and renewal.

This year, the New Mexico Lottery has partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe to commemorate the historic celebration with a Zozobra Scratcher. 

“Like New Mexico Lottery ticket sales, proceeds from the annual Burning of Zozobra event generate funds for New Mexicans,” said David Barden, New Mexico Lottery CEO. “We are excited to partner with a reputable organization that raises funds for New Mexico youth.”

“We were excited to promote the Burning of Zozobra statewide on a NM Lottery ticket. This year marked an incredible 100-year anniversary, and our collaboration with the New Mexico Lottery presents a fantastic opportunity to make the 101st year just as thrilling. This partnership is the winning ticket!  While many people associate Zozobra with gloom, they may not realize the positive impact it has.  Much like the New Mexico Lottery, which helps illuminate brighter futures for our youth through scholarships, Zozobra contributes its net proceeds to nonprofits that support young people,” said Raymond G. Sandoval, Zozobra Event Chairman.

New Mexico artists are invited to submit their Zozobra Artwork through November 15, 2024, for a chance to be featured on the ticket and in promotional materials. Up to three Artworks will be selected to display on the New Mexico Lottery Zozobra 2025 Scratchers and support and promote the game. Each selected Artwork will receive $1,000.

Entry details and rules can be found at https://www.nmlottery.com/promotions/zozobra-scratcher-art/

Legislative Lottery Scholarships Since 1996, the New Mexico Lottery has raised more than $1 billion for education and nearly 150,000 students have attended college on Legislative Lottery Scholarships.

More information about Legislative Lottery Scholarships is available at nmlottery.com.

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