Thanksgiving is so yesterday. Now it's time to switch gears, put the turkey in the past and get ready for some gingerbread, chocolate coins and Christmas tamales.
The holiday season is just getting started, and we're ready for it! In the coming weeks, our Holidays in Tucson blog will seek out and share holiday recipes and shopping tips, get the lowdown on festive events and explore the many facets of winter dining.
To start things off, let's talk about something absolutely central to the holidays, for both the religious and secular among us: light! Obviously this is a big one. From a biblical standpoint, the creation of light signals the beginning of the world and everything in it. ("Let there be light!")
We see it in so many cultural events, from the lighting of the menorah on Hanukkah or the kinara on Kwanzaa, to stringing some twinkly lights around the tree. Even the pagan holiday Yule celebrates the lighter days in store after the winter solstice.
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Here in the Southwest, we celebrate a centuries-old tradition of the luminaria. Rather than shining all our lights bright, we put them in paper bags to create a soft, golden glow. The practice dates back to the 16th century Spanish colonization of the Southwest, and is said to be influenced by the paper lanterns of Asia. Mexico celebrates a similar tradition Las Posadas, where the faithful use candles while traveling to different homes, re-enacting Joseph and Mary's search for lodging in Bethlehem.
Travel through Tucson neighborhoods in December, and you may find luminarias decorating the roofs and patios of many homes. But if you're looking for something a bit more interactive, several parades and holiday events will fill the desert air with the spectacle of the Southwest.
Luminaria Nights at Tucson Botanical Gardens: Paths along Tucson's desert garden park will be lined with luminarias, in addition to lots of tree lighting. There will also be live music, food trucks and an appearance by Santa Claus. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Runs Dec. 5-7 and 12-14. Tickets: $12 general public, $6 children, $10 member adults, $4 member children. For more information, call 520-326-9686 or visit the website tucsonbotanical.org/2014/10/luminaria-nights-2
The 31st Annual Luminaria Nights in Tubac: This annual festival will feature hundreds of luminaria lights, as well as horse-drawn carriages rides by Good Shepherd Ranch. This year will also feature a bell choir. Local businesses will open their doors and offer treats. Dusk until 9 p.m. Dec. 5-6. Free. For more information, call 520-398-2704 or go to tubacaz.com
Luminaria Night at the Presidio San Agustin: The reconstructed Spanish fort that was the birthplace of Tucson will be lit by luminarias. See the cannon fire at dusk and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. There will also be music and dance performances by Barbea Williams, the Presidio Flute Circle and Nuevo Mundo Chorale. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Free. For more information, call 520-837-8119 or visit tucsonpresidio.com/calendar
Festival of Lights at Globe's Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park: If you're up for a trip, this event promises a unique Southwestern experience. The restored Salado Indian pueblo, dating back to the 12th century, will be filled with 1,600 luminarias. There will also be music and performances by the nearby San Carlos Apache reservation. Dusk, Dec. 21. Free. For more information, call 928-425-0320 or see website globemiamichamber.com
Another light show, beginning tonight!
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul: This historic northside park will be home to "A Million Lights," as well as local music, shopping and food. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Begins Nov. 28 and runs Friday and Saturday nights until Dec. 13. Tickets: $15 general public, $10 member, $2 children under 12. For more information, call 520-742-6455 ext. 2 or see website, tohonochulpark.org/holiday-nights
