[StBernard] Islenos Society to celebrate holidays with bonfire

[Westley Annis]

Islenos Society to celebrate holidays with bonfire

Published: Thursday, December 08, 2011, 8:00 AM     Updated: Thursday,
December 08, 2011, 9:10 AM

 By Kim Gritter 

Celebratory bonfires of the night have been lit by many cultures around the
world for centuries. Over the years, the controlled outdoor burns have
become synonymous with the holidays in south Louisiana, and once again in
St. Bernard Parish thanks to the efforts of the Los Islenos Heritage and
Cultural Society.

"Bonfires were always a part of the Christmas celebration for the Islenos,
and I think it's always been the same with the Creole and Cajun cultures,"
said Dot Benge, Islenos Society president.

The Islenos Christmas bonfire will be lit Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the
historic Los Islenos Museum Complex, near the rear of the property just past
the Cresap-Casserta House, 1345-1357 Bayou Road in St. Bernard community.

Benge said the lighting will usher in the arrival of Santa Claus, who will
ride in aboard a hay wagon provided by Islenos Society member Tony
Fernandez. Once Santa arrives, children will be able to ride aboard the hay
wagon, as well.

Caroling will begin at 6 p.m. around the bonfire, and a reception will
follow at 6:45 p.m. under the pavilions in the center of the complex. Free
cookies, apple cider and hot chocolate will be served.

The Islenos Museum Complex's grounds will be lit, and Benge said its
historic houses will be decorated in their best holiday finery.

"It's been a labor of love," she said. "Everyone has been pitching in and
decorating all of the buildings for the event."

Benge's family is in charge of decorations at the Isleno Museum, and Duke
and Lucy Collins will decorate the Ducros Museum. JoAnn Messa, whose family
donated the Coconut Island Barroom, will provide the Christmas ambiance
there. Donna Mumphrey-Martin and Lorraine McDanial will work their magic on
the Estopinal House, as will the Serpas family at the Esteves House. The
Melerine family will decorate the Trapper's Camp to honor Calvin Melerine,
who built the camp.

Benge said Islenos Society members will be present throughout the complex to
show visitors around and answer questions about their culture and ancestors,
Canary Island immigrants who came to St. Bernard Parish between 1778 and
1783 from places like Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and other parts of the
Americas.

Benge advised residents to dress warmly for this festive holiday event.

"The society hopes many will come to share our Christmas spirit," she said.

For more information, call Kathy Serpas Ziegler, event chairwoman and
mistress of ceremonies, at 504.494.5848; or Lloyd "Wimpy" Serigne at
504.251.6322.

 Kim Gritter can be reached at kgritter at timespicayune.com or 504.826.3792.