Luminarias or Farolitos

In a December 3, 1590, journal entry, Spanish explorer Gaspar Costaño de Sosa mentioned the small bonfires his cohorts had lit to guide a scout back to camp. Luminarias, he called them, thereby casting the first stone in what’s now a 426-year-old, northern-versus-southern New Mexico debate over the little paper bags that light up our holiday nights. “They’re farolitos,” folks north of La Bajada Hill insist.

“Luminarias,” everyone south says.

Over the years, even linguists have disagreed. Their arguments for and against fill a fat file at the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe. Among the few certainties: Before the 1872 invention of flat-bottomed paper bags, before the ready availability of votive candles, and before electricity and strings of “icicle lights,” New Mexicans marked the paths to their doors and the local church with small, Sosa-style bonfires on Christmas Eve—symbolically lighting the way for the Holy Family.

Chinese paper lanterns found their way to Santa Fe via the 18th-century Manila galleons and El Camino Real, but the fragile paper didn’t invite outdoor use. Once cheaper paper bags arrived on the Santa Fe Trail, locals discovered they could fold down the tops, anchor them with a few handfuls of sand, and set a small candle inside for a subtler display that didn’t deplete the winter woodpile.

But what to call them? Some folks stuck with luminaria—“light” in Spanish. Others adopted farolito, from farol, the Spanish word for “lantern.” In the 1930s, as more people got the paper-bag bug, newspaper articles dithered, alternately calling them farolitos, linternitas, and farolillos. In 1958, the august New York Times chimed in, but said Albuquerqueans called them farolitos, further confusing the geography. Before his 1996 death, author and historian Fray Angélico himself waded into the debate and essentially concluded, “Whatever.”

Today the bags-and-candles tradition stretches from California to Maine. In Santa Fe, the Christmas Eve Farolito Walk on Canyon Road is a beloved community event (farolitowalk.com). Head out after sundown to stroll the streets (no cars allowed!) and meet some locals in front of their shops and homes. Just don’t compliment them on their luminarias. You’re in the north now.

As for those plastic versions bedecking rooflines throughout the holiday season, take it from renowned Santa Fe archaeologist Cordelia Snow, whose 1991 letter to the Santa Fe New Mexican cheekily dubbed them “electrolitos.”

- Kate Nelson, from the pages of New Mexico Magazine

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TOP PLACES TO SEE LUMINARIAS/FAROLITOS IN NEW MEXICO

 

 

Canyon Road Farolito Walk

Canyon Road Farolito Walk 

December 24, 2023– Santa Fe, NM 

One of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions. Locals and visitors alike stroll charming Canyon Road, lit with farolitos and luminarias, greeting old friends and making new ones, sipping hot chocolate and singing carols.

 

e Butte farolito walk

Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk & Floating Lights Parade 

December 9, 2023 – Elephant Butte Lake State Park 

Thousands of luminarias line the beach, while community-sponsored campsites warm the soul with posolé, cocoa, s’mores, and more! Hop on a hayride, join the carolers, or just take in the Floating Lights Parade. 

 

Christmas on the Pecos

Christmas on the Pecos 

November 24 – December 31, 2023 – Carlsbad, NM 

Celebrate the holidays with an enchanting boat ride through the dazzling light displays along the Pecos River! This cheerful holiday experience transports you past captivating islands, boat docks, and backyards illuminated by fantastic winter themes like Santa’s Workshop, Southwest deserts, and more!

 

 

Bonfires on Bent Street

Bonfires on Bent Street 

December 9, 2023 – Taos, NM 

Head to Taos for a night of holiday cheer on Bent Street with bonfires and farolitos warming you up and lighting the way! Hosted by the John Dunn Shops and Bent Street merchants, shops will be decorated for the festivities and other snacks and specials all day followed by an evening full of blessings, caroling, entertainment, food, and hot beverages. 

 

 

Riverglo in Farmington

Riverglo

December 1, 2023 – Farmington

Discover Farmington’s holiday spirit along the Animas River! Luminarias, carolers, and a live nativity transform the riverwalk trails and Berg Park for this holiday celebration.

 

 

CHRISTMAS EVE ON THE PLAZA

CHRISTMAS IN LAS CRUCES

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate in Cruces Country

Experience a full month of fun-filled holiday events and activities for everyone!

 

OLD TOWN LUMINARIA TOUR

OLD TOWN LUMINARIA TOUR

December 24th- Albuquerque

Drive through beautifully lit neighborhoods with thousands of luminarias lighting the way. The Albuquerque holiday tradition involves paper sacks filled with sand and a single candle to light up rooftops and walkways.