Tagged News

• Sunday Journal: The Bonfires are back Play Video

  December 6, 2021 4:15 AM

  After a cancelled year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christmas Eve tradition of setting bonfires on the levee in St. James Parish has returned. In 2021, the fires will once again light the way for Papa Noel. This week on Sunday Journal, audiences enjoy a... more »

• Christmas Eve bonfires returning to St. James after skipping 2020 due to COVID

  November 12, 2021 9:02 AM

  CONVENT - St. James Parish officials announced Friday that the Lighting of the Bonfires on Christmas Eve will return for the 2021 holiday season. The much-anticipated annual event, typically attended by an international audience, is a unique tradition for St. James Parish that involves lighting bonfires on Christmas Eve... more »

• Bonfires to burn despite naughty forecast on Christmas Eve

  December 23, 2015 4:42 PM

  GRAMERCY - Weather will not dampen a popular tradition along the Mississippi River in St. James Parish. Officials said Wednesday after a meeting with the National Weather Service, the annual lighting of the bonfires will happen as scheduled Christmas Eve night. Earlier, officials said they were concerned about the... more »

• Bonfire organizers to meet with forecasters Wednesday

  December 22, 2015 11:59 PM

  GRAMERCY - St. James Parish Officials will meet with the National Weather Service Wednesday to determine the status of Thursday's planned lighting of the bonfires atop the Mississippi River levee. The annual event is held on Christmas Eve. Families build bonfires on the levee and light them on the... more »

• St. James locals building traditional Christmas bonfires Play Video

  December 11, 2015 6:28 PM

  LUTCHER - The saw dust is flying in St. James Parish as locals build teepee-shaped bonfires for Christmas Eve. It's a tradition that dates back more than 200 years to guide Papa Noel's sleigh and eight reindeer. On Christmas Eve the bonfires will light up the levees along the Mississippi... more »