Bonfires on the Levee

A unique experience to add to my list of Things to Do in Louisiana.
My honey is from Gramercy, and every year its locals look forward to the annual Festival of Bonfires. So much so, they start 1 to 2 months prior.
A nice sight to see, the kiddies love it, tumbling and running down the levees. People park their cars along side the road, some on peoples lawns. Nobody seems to have a problem… odds are its somebody’s cousin anyway. One big giant family in Lutcher and Gramercy. Small town, everybody knows everbody. Except for me, I’m the outsider in.

this was one of the most fun evenings ever.
150 fires light up the levee for papa noel. the fireworks were really great too. everyone was blowing up stuff, and just having a grand time.
if you haven’t experienced this? you should. I don’t want to give too much away.

If you are here for Christmas, this is a MUST visit! I can’t believe how much fun I had here.
Pro tip: There will be tons of people coming here, don’t attempt to drive next to the levee, it will take your forever to get there and forever to get out. Leave your car on the main street, then walk down half a mile to the levee.
Pro tip: it will be dusty and smokey and you have walk around, dress accordingly.
Again, MUST visit if you are in town for Christmas.

This is a Louisiana tradition: bonfires on the levee. I’m not so familiar with levees, nor am I a font of knowledge on Louisiana traditions but since this past Dec. 24 I am in the know.
Bonfires on the Levee, traditionally, is arranging small wood logs into a teepee like structure which are then set alight at 7pm. This bright fire welcomes Papa Noël (Santa Claus) and shows him the way to the houses along the levee and I suppose New Orleans, too.
Fireworks are a part of the celebration now with some being quite colorful in their burst. Many still use the traditional teepee set up but I also saw other structures as well: a mega sized guitar, a redneck looking monster truck, a log cabin, an LSU football display and some even had Christmas lights strung around their displays. These, of course were removed before the lighting or at least I think they were.
In any case, at 7pm with some starting a little earlier, the bonfires were lit and the whole levee was a line of glowing red, orange and yellow that flickered in the cold air. A lot of the quality of the fire has to do with the architecture of the structure. If the wood is not spaced well to allow air flow then you’re going to be stuck welcoming Santa with a huge black smoke cloud. Not good for Santa and not good for anyone’s lungs or eyes. Most of the people, however, knew what they were doing and the Bonfires on the Levee were a success.
What you can expect to find besides bonfires are «tailgating» setups. People have the large tents set up and are grilling and chilling with food and drink. Like all Louisiana celebrations this one seemed to revolve around food and family. Food plays a big role in Cajun country. That’s not a bad thing.
If you’re ever in Cajun country around Christmastime, specifically Christmas Eve, do check out the bonfires on the levee. It’s a nice tradition to learn about and the people are friendly and fun. Even with cold weather you’ll have a great time and those levee fires are very warming. Joyeux Noël!

The Bonfires on the Levee is an AWESOME annual event hat happens Christmas Eve in St. James Parish. Several local families and stranger alike get together and try to outdo each other every year and build the biggest baddest longest burning bonfire.
I have been in Gramercy when I have gone for this event but I know it extends for miles. Coca Cola and the city of Gramery usually do some ridiculously spectacular bonfire and Zapps is always out there steady giving out free chips.
The families spend an insane amount of time and money building these bonfires and they have to meet certain specifications and codes. They also get creative and some put firecrackers and sparklers in the them and make them special. The big thing is to have the tallest one but they are literally lined up for miles. They all get lit at the same time and it is really a sight.
The story that I have heard is that the bonfires were used to light the way for Papa Noël and show him where the Mississippi River ends. A friend of mine’s family has done this for years and every time I have gone, its been a super good time. Thousand of people gather out there and basically party by the bonfires. Lots of friends and family from that area mostly go but there are plenty of others as well.
Pro Tip: bring a chair and whatever it is that you would like to partake in beverage wise and make sure you make friends with a family so you have a place to use the bathroom, they frown upon peeing on the bonfires. Dress casual, pack light, and wear comfy shoes because theres lots of walking.