Guest Author - Julie S.
There are numerous festivities in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, to welcome
in and officially welcome the Christmas Season.
Here are just a few of the special events, which are highlighted here, so
readers can become better acquainted with the place I proudly call home.
Amid the many observances listed, there was a tree lighting ceremony held
this past Sunday, by the Old Arabi Neighborhood Association. Christmas
decorations were also displayed all along St. Claude Avenue, the local
levee there, and among the many streets that comprise Old Arabi. This annual
tree lighting event includes a "visit" from Santa Claus and caroling as well.
On Saturday evening of this past weekend, the Chalmette National Battlefield
held its annual Yuletide Celebration, which includes guided tours of the Malus-
Beauregard residence and the adjacent grounds belonging to Jean Lafitte
National Historical Park and Preserve. The event took place from 6:00 to 8:00
p.m..
Thse guided tours of the plantation home, which was once owned by Judge Rene'
Beauregard, who was the son of famed Louisiana Confederate General P.G. T.
Beauregard. Was led by park rangers, who carried candle lanterns with them,
as they escorted visitors into the residence. Also available on hand to
meet with the children, was Papa Noel himself, who was like a figure straight
from the Louisiana Victorian pages of history almost 200 years ago.
Two other key celebrations included a Bonfire At The River, which is the
Canary Islands Descendants Association annual holiday event, which took
place on Sunday from 1:00-5:00 p.m.. The event took place in Caernarvon,
at 600 St. Bernard Parkway, and was highlighted by folk dances, music,
food, a visit from Santa Claus, and the lighting of a beautiful bonfire for
all gathered to both witness and warm up to.
The last, and most current Christmas happening in St. Bernard Parish, was
a Christmas parade held in Chalmette this past Saturday at 3:00 p.m.. This
parade marked its second annual year, and focused on the holidays, complete
with a Santa Claus float that was gathering letters from children to the
North Pole.
There was also holiday music, big Christmas balloons, and elves on hands
to personally collect mail from the kids assembled. Santa Claus himself,
officiated over the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, which is
located at the St. Bernard Parish Civic Center.
Christmas in St. Bernard Parish is marked by both merrymaking and tradition,
as is Christmas anywhere else in the United States, but I just thought
I'd share some of the sights and sounds of it with y'all. Joyeux Noel!
