Bonfires on the levee, courtesy of St. James Parish
The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee is a tradition in southern Louisiana, especially in St. James Parish. Parish President Pete Dufresne says the tradition dates to the Cajun settlers, these bonfires serve as a guide to Midnight Mass and light the way for Santa.
“After Midnight Mass was over and everyone went home that’s when Santa was flying over in his sleigh and he looked down and saw the fires were burning bright and hadn’t gone out yet. So, it guided him right into St. James Parish.”
Dufresne says the structures, traditionally pyramid-shaped but now include elaborate designs like a John Deere tractor.
“It looks very realistic. To imagine a tractor being constructed out of wood with a wagon and its all lit up and its painted John Deere.”
The main events occur in Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina, with over 100 bonfires. Dufresne says it seems weather is going to cooperate and rain shouldn’t be an issue.
“So, it seems that the conditions are very favorable to light the bonfires this year on Christmas Eve. So, we’re not planning or considering at all at this time yet to reschedule.”
Lighting of the bonfires starts around 7:00 P-M.
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