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Luminaria Information
What are Luminarias?
Luminarias ("farolitos" to our northern neighbors) are brown paper bags containing votive candles for light and sand for weight. Every Christmas Eve thousands of them light up Albuquerque, lining the streets with their low, ethereal light. Historically they have been a Christian tradition, lighting the streets to guide Joseph and Mary, as well as to guide people to Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, but they are now put out by people of all faiths for aesthetic as well as religious reasons.
Luminarias have been a New Mexican tradition for hundreds of years. Though they are primarily a Christmas Eve tradition, some parts of the city have their own luminaria ceremonies earlier in December. The most notable of these is the Hanging of the Greens at the University of New Mexico, where student groups light up the campus with luminaria displays. This usually happens in early December.
Making Luminarias
You'll need:
- Paper lunch bags
- Votive candles (can be bought in bulk at most supermarkets, but buy in advance since they might run out)
- Sand (there is generally free luminaria sand advertised during the holiday season)
- Utility lighter or fireplace match
All you have to do is:
- Fold down the edges of the paper bag
- Add enough sand to hold the bag down
- Add a votive candle
- Use a fireplace match or utility lighter to light it
Luminaria Bus Tours
Want to see the luminarias but want to avoid the stress of driving? ABQ Ride offers luminaria bus tours on December 24th.
- 2007 Luminaria Tour: Information, including how to buy tickets
- Previous Luminaria Tours: 2005, 2006
Favorite Walking Neighborhoods
There are plenty of places in Albuquerque where you can see the luminarias by foot. These are some of the favorite places to take an evening stroll and look at the lights. Don't forget to bundle up!