My dear friend Kristy invited Shannon and me to join her family's annual Christmas Eve celebration at the bonfire. She knew that we were both interested in experiencing this important part of our Louisiana culture, and her family opened their home, shared their food and drinks, and warmly welcomed us to Paulina, Louisiana.
This has got to be the biggest gumbo pot I've ever seen!
The family bonfire, pre-lighting; you can see that it's covered with cane reeds, which make crackling sound, kind of like firecrackers, when they burn.
Before the fires were lit at 7:00 p.m., people were milling about, enjoying each other's company and - most likely - quietly comparing their bonfire to those surrounding it. Which is bigger? Did you put cane reeds on yours or not? Do you have driftwood or logs inside the bonfire?
Most were in the traditonal shape ...
... but some were in other shapes, like the Nativity or the airboat below. Kristy told us that those who opt to build other shapes have to get special permission and ensure that they are structurally sound for bonfire purposes.
But once they burn, they are all beautiful! This is the same airboat from above, about 30 minutes into the fire:
Some use serious accelerants to get their fires going. Check out these colors!
It is such an amazing sight that even the ocean-going vessels traveling the Mississippi River took a break for the view.
Some of the fires make beautiful art without any help.
However they are built, however they burn, the annual lighting of the bonfires is a magical experience. Papa Noel will surely find us this Christmas!
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