Annual RAP Luminaria

Annual RAP Luminaria

Sundown on the 21st of December marks the beginning of our 24th Annual Luminaria, or Festival of Lights. The oldest and grandest of Jacksonville’s luminaria celebrations, this regional event has become a holiday tradition that helps sustain our sense of community.

Luminaria is a Spanish word meaning "small bonfires." Traditionally held on Christmas Eve, the celebration dates back to the 16th Century, when villages along the Rio Grande would line paths with votive candles placed in paper bags weighted with sand to welcome the Christ child into the world, and mark the villagers’ way to Midnight Mass.

Riverside & Avondale residents are proud to continue this tradition, and will be lining our streets with more than 40,000 bagged candles, and hosting numerous other events. Luminaria night events include Christmas musical concerts at the churches and parks, a live Nativity scene, a bike ride, and carriage rides for a truly traditional touring of the Historic District’s candle-lit streets on this special holiday night.

2008 will be a special year for the Luminaria event as it exactly coincides with the start of Chanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. As Luminaria lanterns are being lit, so will the first candles on the Menorah.

Residents and businesses in the Riverside Avondale Historic District are asked to join us in lighting up the night by lining the sidewalks in front of your home or organization with Luminaria lanterns. Lantern kits (consisting of 6 candles, 6 bags, and sand) will be available for $6 per kit at the RAP House at 2623 Herschel St. during the following times:

Sat., Dec. 13th 9 am – 4 pm
Sat., Dec. 20th 9 am – 4 pm
Sun., Dec. 14th 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Sun., Dec. 21st 1:30 pm – 6 pm

RAP will offer a limited number of commemorative posters (see above) to celebrate Luminaria 2008. Posters can be purchased from the RAP house for $20 each. Be one of only 100 people to own a piece of a well-loved tradition. Call us to place your order today. Or pick one up at the RAP House on December 13th, 14th, 20th or 21st when you purchase your kits.