Luminarias light up a Holtville neighborhood with tradition

HOLTVILLE — Dazzling luminarias lined the homes of Fairway Drive here, as residents in this neighborhood took to tradition as they came together to light up the streets on Christmas Eve.

“This is just an old tradition we have and it looks absolutely beautiful,” Janet James, president of the Barbara Worth East Owners Association said.

Drivers passing by the Barbra Worth County Club and Golf Resort had the chance to take a glimpse at the nearly 2,000 luminaries that lined Anderholt Road and Fairway Drive.

“It’s important to do this because it makes us come together and makes the neighborhood a family,” James said.

Having organized the bags Sunday evening, residents of the street came out by the dozens with their families to light up their neighborhood.

“There’s just so much unity here, you know when you’re in a great neighborhood when everyone comes together like this,” James said.

For 10-year-old Ella Hoyt, lighting the luminarias on Christmas Eve is the best part.

“It’s just a lot of candles lit up everywhere and it’s so pretty,” Ella said.

Sharing Ella’s passion for the glittering luminarias, Addison Clunn, 5, also shared her love for the lights.

“It’s fun to light the candles and it makes it beautiful outside when the people come,” Addison said.

Other residents in the neighborhood also shared fond memories of lighting the luminarias.

“We’ve been doing this for about 25 years now. We continue this tradition because we have an attachment to the whole neighborhood,” 35-year neighborhood resident Hud Mitchell said.

Although the luminarias will only stay lit for four hours, Mitchell guarantees this tradition will last for years to come.

Staff Writer Celeste Alvarez can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at calvarez@ivpressonline.com

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