If you have never experienced the Dexter Christmas Eve tradition of lining the city streets with luminaria, it is a stirring invocation to the solemnity and celebration of the most anticipated night of the year. The soft, quivering glow of the paper lanterns against the darkness reverentially blankets our quiet city with “silent night, holy night.”
Christmas Eve luminarias originated from Spanish merchants of old who were impressed with the paper lanterns of China. The art form took hold in Europe especially at Christmas with the symbolic hope being that the lights will guide the spirit of the Christ child to one’s home.
Luminarias are traditionally made from paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle. It takes a lot of them to line Dexter’s streets and you are invited to be a part of this great tradition.
A workshop to assemble kits for the 2018 Luminaria will take place on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the City DPW located at 3600 Central St. Assembly begins at 9:00 am. Those interested in helping to deliver the kits should arrive at 10:00 am. The goal is to provide supplies to all City neighborhoods, which requires a significant volunteer effort. 
The Luminaria is funded and executed through generous donations from the community. Please keep the lights shining – consider make a donation to support the Luminaria by mailing or dropping off your contribution to the City of Dexter at 8123 Main (please indicate Luminaria on the check). Donations can also be made athttps://www.gofundme.com/dexter-luminaria-2018. Thank you for your support of this Dexter tradition.
