Here Comes Santa Clause - Feux de joie

If you're having trouble swallowing Santa slipping - or squeezing - down the chimney, and reindeer flying through the sky with a red nose lighting the way,  you might like to ponder the New Orleanean way.

They light feux de joie, fires of joy, along the banks of the Mississippi from Baton Rouge to New Orleans to cleverly guide Papa Noel (and that IS what they call him) as he glides down the river in his paddleboat.  Now, doesn't this make more sense?

Thought to have begun as early as the 1750's with the Arcadians (now Cajuns), who settled along the riverbanks, the celebration goes on the entire month of December with a big boat parade, music and a huge bonfire kicking off the event on the 2nd of December (3rd this year, due to unwieldy winds).

Wooden crates are stacked 30 or 40 feet high, in preparation for the kick-off bonfire in Algiers.  Algiers is just a short ferry ride across the river from the French Quarter.

All along the levees, huge teepee-like structures - some of them looking like small homes, ships, and other objects - are constructed with whatever will burn - trees, sugar cane, bamboo.  No one wants Papa Noel to lose his way!

 People gather for the festivities at the opening ceremonial Bonfire in Algiers.

The big event is on Christmas Eve, of course, when the gifts are ready to be delivered.  Paddlewheelers, complete with festive food, drinks and a jazz band, gather up the party crowds for a 40 mile trip up the river to get the bird's eye view of the burning masterpieces.  

Now that's a warm welcome, don't you think?  I wonder if they get more presents in New Orleans.

Still making milk and cookies?

Our hearts warmed with ancient tradition and forty foot flames, we set out to enjoy an old/new tradition.  The  Reveillon Dinner, has been revived.  We'll have ours at the famous Brennan's! 

Let's Go!