C ontroversy has dogged the annual burning of Zozobra this year — but event chair Ray Sandoval said controversy is what the 50-foot monster of gloom loves.

“We can disagree, but one of the things that we need to do is we all need to be partners in upholding our amazing, rich cultural tradition and the tapestry that is our city,” Sandoval said. “And Zozobra is one of the brightest threads through that tapestry.”

The 101st Burning of Zozobra — where the towering marionette will release the city’s gloom as he goes up in flames — will take place Friday. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the official Zozobra show begins at 6 p.m. The burning is slated, weather permitting, to follow the national anthem at 9:10 p.m. As of Wednesday, meteorologists predicted a 50% chance of rain for Santa Fe Friday nig

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