Farolitos or Luminarias?
This question almost rivals New Mexico’s official state query: red or green?
The Canyon Road Farolito Walk delights the thousands who stroll in high spirits along the iconic road on Christmas Eve. You are welcome to warm up around any small piñon bonfire and sing along with others. A truly magical and breathtaking experience!
In Santa Fe and much of northern New Mexico, a farolito refers to the paper lanterns, while luminaria traditionally describes a small vigil fire or bonfire. Such bonfires may mark a home hosting Las Posadas, a neighborhood reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Held over nine nights leading up to Christmas, Las Posadas typically includes singing, prayer, and shared food.
In Albuquerque, thousands of candlelit paper bags lining Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods are still most commonly called luminarias. The term is also widely used elsewhere in the country and internationally to describe similar festival lights.
The debate—ongoing, sometimes contentious, but usually lighthearted—continues. While many consider the terms synonymous, others see a geographic divide: farolito prevailing in northern New Mexico, and luminaria more common in the south.