Monday, December 25, 2017

Christmas Bonfires

Last night I traveled up to St. James Parish to see the bonfires along the levee--a 200+ year old tradition that involves bonfires lit to show Papa Noel the way on Christmas Eve. The fires stretch for miles, with over 200 of them being lit at the same time. The little town of Lutcher, population about 3,700, gets roughly 86,000 visitors for a few hours on this night, so you can say it's big. Add in music and fireworks and small-town American patriotism on display, and it was a great night for all.

7 comments:

  1. That's cool. Didn't know about that tradition. Might be worth a trip. Haven't partied with 86K of my closest friends in quite a while. Is alcohol involved? /sarc

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    1. It's Louisiana. Alcohol involvement is required by law.

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  2. Merry Christmas to y'all!

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  3. I wasn't aware of this tradition either - how great is that? Must have been a lot of fun! Did the dogs enjoy it, or did you leave them at home?

    Happy Boxing Day, and have a great New Year, everyone!

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  4. Anonymous10:17 PM

    I learned about a old Christmas tradition

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  5. I always thought it was a part of the very old British tradition brought over and modified but...who knows!
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_Helly_Aa

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