Arizona Then & Now: Luminarias
It’s not the Phoenix area’s longest running holiday tradition, but it’s among the most cherished.
Since 1978, the Desert Botanical Garden, a 140-acre, carefully cultivated part of Papago Park in Phoenix, has celebrated Las Noches de las Luminarias. Each year during the holiday season, visitors are invited to see the garden by candlelight as thousands of luminarias are placed along garden paths.
In addition to the luminarias, some trees are wrapped in holiday lights and special art exhibits are lit. Those who attend can enjoy special musical performances as well.
According to the DBG website, the celebration was the idea of then-Executive Director Rodney Engard who wanted to showcase the garden in traditional Southwestern fashion. Luminarias, paper bags weighed down with sand holding a candle, are a traditional Southwestern Christmas decoration.
That first celebration was a single December night with about 600 visitors. Since then, Las Noches de las Luminarias has expanded to its current 21 nights.
Entertainment started with a mariachi band in 1979 and now includes a variety of bands, singers and even bell choirs. Cookies became part of the tradition in 1986 and full meals were offered the following year. The current celebration features a buffet dinner.
Paper bags were used for the luminarias until 2006, when a more flame-retardant, not to mention waterand wind-resistant, material was used.
The celebration also has grown from an all-volunteer effort to include the garden’s staff. It takes 90 minutes each night to light about 8,000 luminarias.
Proceeds from the event fund improvements at the garden.
Las Noches de las Luminarias runs through Dec. 31. Details: 480-941-1225, www.dbg.org.