Luminaria

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A luminaria or farolito is a light or little lantern, usually a candle inside a paper lamp shade, which is of significance among New World Hispanics at Christmas time.

A farolito is carried by the leader of a Posada procession. Las Posadas is a nine-day holiday beginning December 16 and ending December 24.

In the U.S. states of New Mexico, Arizona and west Texas luminarias are made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle and traditionally displayed on Christmas Eve. These are typically arranged in rows to create large and elaborate displays. Artificial luminarias, which are made of plastic and use light bulbs instead of candles, are also available. The hope among Christian believers is that the lights will guide the spirit of the Christ child to one's home. In recent times they are seen more as a secular decoration, akin to holiday lights, and have gained popularity in other parts of the country.

Santa Fe and Old Town Albuquerque are well known for their impressive Christmas Eve luminaria displays.

In some Southwestern states, such as Arizona, Texas and New Mexico, luminarias are also occasionally used as Halloween decorations, sometimes featuring Jack O' Lantern faces drawn on the paper bags.

In West Valley City, Utah, Luminarias are used to light the path during the Walk With Santa held the first Monday of December every year. The display features over 300 Luminarias

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraising events which are held all over the country feature luminaria ceremonies. Luminarias are placed around the track and some Relay events spell out "HOPE" in stadium stands with luminarias.

After the 2008 city hall shooting in Kirkwood, Missouri, residents lined the streets with Luminaria to honor the victims of the shooting.