Christmas Eve in Cajun Country
It's Christmas Eve on the Mississippi River ya'll and there is a party going on in the "River Parishes"!
When you live on the river and the bayous of South Louisiana, fog can be tough for Papa Noel to see where he is going, either by sleigh and reindeer or by boat with his gators.
The bonfires are planned and built months in advance. This tradition has roots all the way back to European harvest festivals.
The traditional bonfires are teepee shaped, and they are the culture of Christmas along the river near Grammercy, Lutcher, Vacherie and Paulina Louisiana.
Today's bonfires are literally a work of art.
This creation is a Pelican, the Louisiana State Bird, who is feeding her young. This bonfire was attracting huge crowds!
People travel from New Orleans and the surrounding areas to view the lighting of the bonfires. There are bus tours, paddlewheel boat excursions, cars and by foot.
The parties are private, and are held in homes along the river. Cajun delicacies are the food of choice: andouille gumbo, crawfish bisque, oyster dressing are just a few of the samplings.
Everyone is there to "pass a good time". The bonfires lighting begins at 7:30 p.m and the Christmas Eve party will commence.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
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