Festival of Light
Those of us who live or have lived in New Mexico are familiar with Luminarias. The origins of this tradition can be traced to 16th century Spain where small, controlled bonfires, Farolitos, were lit along routes to churches to help worshippers find their way to midnight mass.
In New Mexico, the tradition dates back three hundred years to the Spanish villages along the Rio Grande that displayed Christmas lanterns to welcome the Christ child. Although Luminarias are practically synonymous with the NM holiday tradition, in every celebration, whether religious or secular, they are symbols of warmth and light. No matter your faith or lack of it, you have to appreciate the history and tradition.
My family lives near Old Town and for years our home was always designated for Christmas Eve family gatherings. We served traditional New Mexican fare—tamales, posole, beans, enchiladas, and red and green chili. Afterward, we would bundle up and head out into the dark for the short walk to Old Town Plaza. The luminarias are simple (candles in a bag) but the effect of them amassed is stunning. I have to give a shout-out to the volunteers who help light the candles around the plaza. It is a labor of love.
For more information about the tradition, click on the Visit Albuquerque
The website includes a video and step-by-step directions for making Luminarias. I found it sweet but amusing. You get a lunch sack, put in sand, and a votive candle. Place it where you want it and light the candle with a long-handle lighter. It will burn most of the night. You can cheat and use flameless votives or tea lights, some even come with timers. But what’s the fun in that?
During the pandemic, my husband, who is an artist, painted the twelve days of Christmas on sandwich bags. We displayed them on our adobe wall and lit them on Christmas Eve.
