FGES TOUR #13: Gramercy, Louisiana

 On Christmas Eve, residents near the Mississippi River in Louisiana build bonfires atop the levee, on both sides. The fires stretch for 30 miles, with Gramercy (about 45 miles north of New Orleans) being at the southern end. The purpose of the fires is to guide Papa Noel (Cajun Santa Claus) as he follows the course of the river. 

Most of the bonfires take the form shown here, a sturdy pyramid chock-a-block with fire wood. Some, however, are more elaborate. I saw a very realistic recreation of a large farm tractor. There were rumors of a giant wooden deer somewhere. 

At precisely 7 p.m. the structures are set alight. The red "ribbons" on the one behind me are actually strips of firecrackers. Thousands of fireworks were going off for hours.

There were also food vendors along the road. I had some delicious gumbo, and delightful crawdad nachos.

A splendid time was had by all.