Luminarias Light The Way to a New Tradition in Hollywood Heights

Neighborhood associations can make or break a neighborhood. Their goal is to unite an array of neighbors, improve the aesthetics, and plan fun activities that everyone can enjoy. There is no better time to do all three than at Christmas with luminarias.

The Hollywood/Santa Monica Neighborhood Association (HSMNA) has the market cornered on all three this year.  

You can say the HSMNA is lighting the way for other neighborhood associations with their first luminaria fundraising event that will make their neighborhood look great and carry on a tradition that has been going on in the Southwest for decades.

“I’m really excited for this event,” said sponsor and Allie Beth Allman real estate agent Joe Kacynski.  “This is something new and something fresh for this neighborhood. It’s going to be really good.”

A New Old Tradition

While this is the first fundraiser featuring luminarias for the Hollywood/Santa Monica neighborhood, the tradition of luminarias goes as far back as Mary and Joseph searching for an inn in Bethlehem. Some take it even further, backlinking it to the Jewish tradition of Hanukkah, the festival of lights.

The tradition of luminarias was brought to Mexico in the 16^th century by Spanish settlers. The settlers would burn small bonfires along roads and at church courtyards to commemorate the birth of Christ. The Pueblo Indians would light luminarias in their yards to light the path to church on Christmas Eve.

For HSMNA, their plan is to light the path to their annual neighborhood Christmas party, which will be held on Mistletoe Road.

A Fundraiser For All

The luminaria fundraiser is the brainchild of HSMNA Board Member Janet Stegner.

“I grew up with it (luminarias) and loved it,” Stegner said. “It was my favorite part of the holiday. It is such a great memory that I have.”

Typically the HSMNA holds a home tour fundraiser at this time of year but the pandemic put a hold on that event.

“I figured this is the time. It is simple, easy, and beautiful,” Stegner said. 

About 300-350 luminaria kits have been sold, but Stegner said she expects that number to increase this week.

“People who haven’t participated in neighborhood events in the past are participating now,” she said. “They are wanting to celebrate.” Sales of the luminaria kits will continue through Dec. 16.

At dusk on Saturday, Dec. 18 neighbors will light their luminarias and walk the neighborhood enjoying the festival of lights, which will culminate at the annual neighborhood Christmas party.

“It is easy and it is outdoors,” Kacynski said. “You can drive or you can walk. It is what you are most comfortable with.”

The money raised from the fundraiser will be put toward extra hours for their Expanded Neighborhood Patrol Program during the holidays to keep any potential Grinches from spoiling anyone’s fun. 

While the tradition of luminarias has spread throughout North America and has found its way to the Hollywood/Santa Monica neighborhood, the goal of the luminarias has always been clear: to bring people together.

The neighbors of the Hollywood/Santa Monica neighborhood will be doing just that this coming Saturday.