27.5.13

Luminarias to Glow on Christmas Eve in Point Loma


Elaboraborately decorated houses and grand Christmas trees are definitely staples of the holiday season, but there's something to be said for the understated simplicity of the luminaria.

A luminaria, or farolito "“ the Spanish word for "little lantern" "“ is a brown paper bag weighed down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle during the holiday season. Luminarias originated in New Mexico and were traditionally displayed on Christmas eve to guide the spirit of baby Christ to one's home and heart.

In the Point Loma neighborhood of Loma Portal, particularly Plumosa Park, this tradition has been going on for years and is known as the Plumosa Park Festival of Lights. It's been going on for over 50 years. If a resident is out of town then their neighbors will make sure the
 luminarias get placed in front of their house.

I, for one, am attempting to do my part in carrying out the tradition a little further into Loma Portal.

This is last year's photo of our house with the luminaries out front. We live on a corner so we have quite a bit more luminaries to put out, but that's okay. I'm looking forward to this tradition.

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