Christmas Eve bonfires in St. James Parish

Lighting Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee has been a tradition in the Louisiana river parishes since the 1880's. Whatever the often debated origins of the tradition were, it is a spectacular sight to see. The construction of these massive structures usually begins around Thanksgiving and continues until the word is given by the local authorities to light them at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. PLEASE NOTE DIFFERENT PRINT SIZES FOR PURCHASE. To take advantage of the full frame details of these photos, I will print in 8x12, 11x17, and 16x24 inch sizes..