Luminarias: A Joyful Glow
You may have seen the little paper bags with lights begin to scatter the sidewalks and doorways around neighborhoods on the Western Slope. As early as 1590, explorers documented luminarias, also referred to as farolitos, lining the paths to New Mexico homes and churches.
“My favorite part of the tradition is seeing all our neighbors out on Christmas Eve. Everyone decorates their house in slightly different ways. We have an average of 4,000 candles throughout the neighborhood. The street lights are turned off, and Mesa County families drive through our neighborhood with their headlights off or dimmed. The word I like to use is magical!” — Janet Boo Grant 28-year resident
Today, you’ll find the paper lanterns decorating neighborhoods across the nation, including Grand Junction’s Mantey Heights. The tradition has deep roots beginning in the 1960s, with many longtime residents still participating each Christmas Eve.
The joyful glow illuminates the neighborhood for one evening — a hope-filled reminder that when humans connect and come together, even a simple paper bag and candle can create a lot of magic.
Photos by Christopher Tomlinson.
“We participate in the tradition, because the display is a simple, lovely and quiet way to celebrate the season. It keeps us in touch with neighbors and helps us meet new residents.”
Spoke+Blossom art director Kitty Nicholason used her son’s sled to distribute the bags in 1990. Photo by Karl Nicholason.
Originally published in the Winter 2023 issue of Spoke+Blossom.