Digital Speak Out: What’s the Difference Between a Luminaria and a Farolito?
In the past, we went out into Pojoaque Valley and asked people a Speak Out question, this is PojoaqueNews.com’s first Digital Speak Out.
We’re asking readers for their opinions.
So, dear reader, what’s the difference between a luminaria and a farolito?
You can comment at the bottom of this page.
Comments
By Quita on December 14th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Aren’t they the same thing? The difference is a region preference for what you call it. As a native nortena, I wouldn’t be caught referring to them as “luminarias”. The other day my husband, who is from southern NM, called them just that…and boy did I call him out on it immediately! I remember years ago, my dad was wondering if there is any such research or literature available that can finally put the name game to rest, and the farolito/luminaria “war” can end. It would be great if there was documented history on the matter.
By HGMtz on December 14th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
the luminaria is a small bon fire, farolito is a paper bag with sand on the bottom and a candle.
By Marla on December 17th, 2009 at 9:57 am
A farolito is a paper bag with sand and a candle. Farol means lantern so literal translation of farolito means small lantern. If you look up the definition farolito is also defined as a paper lantern and it is derived from the latin word pharus/pharos (lantern).
A luminaria is a small bonfire made from stacked leña (firewood).
I didn’t really need to do the research for my own knowledge because that’s how my parents say it, that’s how my grandparents, great-grantparents, etc. said it, and that’s how I say it, however I find this topic fascinating and as Quita said in a previous posting, our dad would love to learn where this originated and which term is correct. Whatever facts may be learned, I don’t think it will change anybody’s use of the word on either side. I also believe there’s something to be said for one’s own local custom. If it changed at some point in our history, there is undoubtedly a reason. Let Southern NM call it they want, in NNM though, a farolito is the paper bag, and a luminaria is the bonfire. End of story!
By Marla on December 17th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I am aquainted with a man, Antonio Valdes de Diego from Spain who has lived in NNM for a number of years now. I asked for his input on the farolito and luminaria debate hoping to learn something concrete about the issue. The following is Antonio’s response to my request:
Hi Marla,
Thank you for your note regarding farolitos/luminarias. I am doing fine and continuing my quest of understanding New Mexican history better. I hope you and your family are well too. First of all, I should disclaim of any generalities regarding Spain. Some things which are appropriately defined for the North, aren’t necessarily applicable to the South. In any case my take on your question is as follows:
The word FAROLILLO (and not FAROLITO which would only denote a small FAROL) describes a COLORFUL PAPER OR CELOFAN LANTERN USED HANGING ABOVE THE STREETS IN FIESTAS AND VERBENAS.
The word LUMINARIA describes CANDLES like the ones seen in front of saints etc. in the churches but also used in the BALCONIES during celebrations. They are usually wrapped to protect them from the wind.
When I was a kid, both were widely used in celebrations (not necessarily during Christmas) and it was one of the highlights for us to see which street looked nicer. Luminarias are still used in churches across Spain. I hope this explanation will help you. Remember I am from the North.
Best Regards,
Antonio J Valdes de Diego