For the last 47 years, the historic Irvington has embraced a holiday tradition — the lighting of candles in white bags and lining them up along sidewalks. This year’s Luminaria will be celebrated on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 6-10 p.m. Everyone is welcome to walk, bike, or drive the streets of Irvington to see this beautiful tradition come to life. The Historic Irvington Community Council sponsors the event every year.
What is a luminaria, you might ask. The item itself is a small candle set in sand in a paper bag. The tradition comes from several cultures, with the paper lanterns coming from the Philippines and introduced to New Spain, then through the southwest United States. Las Posadas, a Hispanic holiday celebration that will be celebrated Dec, 16-24, marks the days that Mary and Joseph looked for shelter before Jesus’ birth. The custom may also have ties to the many cultural festivals of light during the longest nights of the year.
To participate, residents can purchase already made up kits at several Irvington merchants, including Hampton Designs (5515E. Washington), Deering Cleaners (1160 N. Arlington), Central Ace Hardware (1025 N. Arlington), Coal Yard Coffee (400 S. Ritter Ave.), Magic Candle (6215 E. Washington St.), Irvington Vinyl on S. Bonna Rd, Market Vintage on Johnson Ave., and BaZaar-Oh! Vintage (5844 E. Washington St.). Sand to weigh the bags down is available in the Ellenberger Park parking lot (near the pool). Bring your own bucket or large sturdy bag to take the sand home!
At 6 p.m., line the driveway, walkway, porch or sidewalk with the candles. Some people use the opportunity to hold impromptu porch parties to greet old friends and make new ones. In addition to Irvington, some people in surrounding neighborhoods participate in the Luminaria — Emerson Heights, Little Flower, and Community Heights residents often light the way as well.
In Irvington, the Benton House Association will hold a general meeting and elect officers for 2024, followed by live dulcimer music by Susie Kraeszig at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey. Light refreshments will be served. The Irvington Historical Society will also hold an open house at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Dr. during the Luminaria from 6-8 p.m. Check out the new exhibits and buy gifts from the bookstore.
Santa and Krampus will be at the Irving Circle throughout the event, and will be available for photos with the kids and family. They will be taking donations for the Big Red Box food donation program — bring a non-perishable item or canned goods. Friends of Irving Circle and Sue Beecher will be hosting the event. In addition, the Indianapolis Ghost Busters will be on hand to take toy donations for underprivileged children.
Bike Indianapolis will be cycling down the Monon Trail from Broad Ripple to Irvington on their bikes, many of which will be decked out for the holiday. Meet at 6500 Monon Trail at 5:15 for the ride. Those closer in can also enjoy a ride through the candle-lit streets at your own pace. Please have bike lights and bring friends for a beautiful evening ride.
In 1976, the late Rose Mary Clarke (Chair of the Community Council) and Lawrence W. Tindall (Vice Chair) developed the idea of lighting candles at Christmas. They knew of the Hispanic tradition to light the way of the Christ child, but presented the idea to the council as a community event, a time to slow down and enjoy home and the bond of community. The council approved the idea.
When you buy kits from local retailers, proceeds go to support next year’s Luminaria and other projects from the Council.
