River Parishes Host 36th Annual Festival of the Bonfires

LAPLACE, La (press release) – Louisiana’s River Parishes will celebrate the 36th annual Festival of the Bonfires along the east and west banks of the Mississippi River levees.

Each December, Louisiana’s River Parishes, a political subdivision representing St. Charles, St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes, invite locals and visitors to witness nearly two hundred 20-foot-high wooden bonfires light the night.

This year, the Festival of the Bonfires takes place Dec. 12-14 in Lutcher.

Additionally, the weekend features family-friendly entertainment, live music, local cuisine, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest, carnival rides and fireworks.

Organizers share that the Festival of the Bonfires is a celebration of Louisiana’s unique holiday traditions and a perfect way to enjoy Louisiana’s rich culture.

The bonfire celebration continues into the historic Christmas Eve Bonfires, a ritual dating back over 300 years.

According to festival organizers, the tradition is that the flames light the way for Papa Noël and his reindeer, ensuring they find their way to the children of Louisiana’s River Parishes in time for Christmas morning.

“Louisiana’s River Parishes bring a one-of-a-kind charm to the holiday season,” said Denise Burrell, executive director of Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission. “We invite families from near and far to join us in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year and to create lasting memories along our scenic waterways.”

For festival details and updates, visit explorebonfirecountry.com and festivalofthebonfires.org.