Massive 60-Foot Alligator Bonfire Built on Mississippi River Levee

Photo from Joshua Weidert from Blood, Sweat, Tears

by: Scot Pilie

Posted: Dec 18, 2019 / 05:33 PM CST

Updated: Dec 18, 2019 / 05:33 PM CST

Only in Louisiana…a HUGE Alligator Bonfire has been constructed on the Mississippi River Levee in Garyville in anticipation for the annual bonfires of Christmas Eve in St James Parish.

Measuring nearly 60 feet from head to tail, and 25 feet at its widest, this alligator is quite a sight to see.

The annual tradition of the bonfires is like no other residents say. It’s an event that takes place every year in St James Parish with the communities of Garyville, Lutcher, and Paulina.

The annual bonfires of Christmas Eve along River Road are something truly magical to see, and thousands of people now make this a yearly tradition.

The reason for the bonfires? Rumor has it that the bonfires help light the way for “Papa Noel,” the Cajun name of Santa Claus, on Christmas. Weather permitting, this alligator bonfire, along with more than a dozen others will be lit at 7PM on Christmas Eve.

For more information on the event, visit https://visitnopc.com/bonfires/