New Mexico women spread joy with inflatable unicorns in drive-by parties

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Two New Mexico women are bringing smiles to area residents sobered by the coronavirus pandemic: they are wearing inflatable unicorn costumes and giving drive-by, socially distanced parties.

Rosie Arrazolo and Estrella Sandoval, who call themselves the Burque Unicorns, said they began wearing the costumes when the pandemic hit, KOB-TV reported.

Sandoval said the idea was a random thought.

”It was for my birthday last year,” Sandoval told KOB. “I just felt like I wanted to be a unicorn -- just for fun. Got the suit and only used it a couple of times.”

The women now wear the costumes daily, roaming through neighborhoods in a decked-out SUV to host socially distanced parties. Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries -- you name it -- there is no cost.

They have done about 60 requests, withstanding hot temperatures. KOB reported.

“Just to bring joy, maybe ease some of the anxiety that’s going on right now,” Sandoval told the television station. “It’s a little uncertain, and I know quite a few people are nervous so we just thought, ’Let’s see if we can ease some of that.‘”

The women said they may consider doing custom parties and perhaps even start a business.

“I just wanted to find something to make people smile. And then just being a unicorn, it amazed me how people reacted to it,” Arrazolo told KOB. “It just made me want to do more and more.”

Cox Media Group