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Photo courtesy of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation
Bonfires on the Levee
10Best Says
Nothing like dancing around a roaring 20 foot high bonfire to get into the Christmas spirit. The tradition of lighting bonfires on the river levees dates back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the... Read More
Nothing like dancing around a roaring 20 foot high bonfire to get into the Christmas spirit. The tradition of lighting bonfires on the river levees dates back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans. The idea is to light the way for "Papa Noel," the Cajun Santa Claus, on his airborne journey to the area. Most of the 100 or so towering infernos are set in communities in St. James Parish some 30-40 miles upriver from New Orleans. Closer to home, the Algiers Economic Development Foundation sponsors one annually, early in December on the levee in Algiers Point.
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Beth D'Addono
New Orleans Local Expert
- Holiday Attractions: "Grayline Tours offers bus trips to the levee bonfires that include a plantation tour."
- Best for Holiday Attractions Because: Cajun tradition rules at this annual holiday event up and across the river.
