World Report: September 15, 2006 Vol. 12 No. 3

Greetings From New Mexico

As dusk fell last Thursday, thousands gathered in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, to kick off the Santa Fe Fiesta. Each year since 1712, residents have burned a 50-foot puppet named Zozobra. The puppet represents the past year's sadness. This party is the oldest recurring celebration in the U.S.

New Mexico Fact File
  • Population: 1,928,384
  • Land Area: 121,365 square miles; the fifth-largest state
  • Capital: Santa Fe
  • Largest City: Albuquerque
  • Nickname: Land of Enchantment
  • State Flower: Yucca