How to watch Christmas bonfires in south Louisiana

Flashback: The bonfire tradition origin story is a little murky, according to the Festival of the Bonfires, the nonprofit linking the annual burns. Two popular theories tend to prevail.

• One theory goes that the bonfires light the way for Papa Noel, and another suggests that the fires helped midnight Mass-goers navigate through the dark.
• But the history of River Parishes bonfires likely stems from European pagan traditions honoring the solstices, which colonizers brought with them when they arrived in Louisiana, according to the Festival of the Bonfires.

What happens: However it started, the tradition continues today, beginning with the construction of usually hundreds of pyres along the River Parishes levees.

• The pyres are constructed along River Road in St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes, and they're lighted at 7pm on Christmas Eve.
• Festival of the Bonfires offers guidance on how to watch. It's best to arrive early.

Yes, but: There's a New Orleans bonfire, too, in honor of the tradition.

• The Algiers Economic Development Foundation hosts its annual burn much earlier. It's scheduled for Dec. 2 this year.