Itasca Continues the Christmas Tradition of the Luminaria

At Christmas, Itasca resembles a New England village. It is nothing less than a picture-perfect reflection of Christmas past.

Every Christmas Eve, the village is aglow from the thousands of white luminarias outlining streets, walkways and driveways.

The luminarias come from the Mexican tradition of lining streets and sidewalks with candles to light the Christ child's way home.

In Itasca, the tradition began when Boyd and Barbara Hindman lit the first Christmas Eve luminaria in 1960.

The tradition quickly grew among the Hindmans' friends and neighbors, from a few hundred luminarias to a few thousand.

After Boyd passed away in 1972, Barbara continued to distribute the thousands of luminarias until the Itasca Lions Club took over the distribution in 1975.

The tradition has evolved to include the entire community. From Lion's members, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, to the Itasca Princesses, and Guides (Daddy/Daughter/Son organizations), to families with their children. They all come out to assemble and distribute the luminaria to all of the homes in Itasca, rain, snow or shine.

Then on Christmas Eve the town lights up in a glow that welcomes Christmas, and spreads cheer throughout the entire town. The Luminaria has become a tradition of Christmas spirit and spreading joy throughout the holiday season.