This Sunday, the historic Riverside Avondale neighborhood is hosting their 37th annual Luminaria, open to visitors far and wide.

The event, organized by Riverside Avondale Preservation, is a staple of the Jacksonville community — a warm illumination of holiday cheer and neighborly togetherness. 

I spoke with Shannon Blankenship, the current executive director of Riverside Avondale Preservation. She explained to me how Luminaria has continually evolved into an adorned celebration of the historic neighborhood, and how her work with RAP was essentially inevitable.

“What made me excited about Riverside Avondale Preservation was the capacity for waterways and green spaces to be rethought, while retaining that historic charm and character of these 100 year old homes that define Riverside and Avondale,” Blankenship explains. 

She also has real love for the historic neighborhood, mentioning that while she’s lived in many cities in her life, there’s something about Riverside Avondale that’s just different. 

“I love Riverside and Avondale because it has so much walkability, tree canopy, and just something to see at every corner — you look around, and you see a different piece of art, whether it’s a building or public art,” Blankenship says. “It’s a really incredible place to live and work.”

And this natural beauty, artistic regality and historic air make the neighborhood the perfect venue for a beautiful Luminaria arrangement. 

At dusk on Sunday, the residents of the neighborhood will grab their bags, candles and sand, and start lining the street with the flickering lights of the luminaries. Christmas lights on houses are optional, but highly encouraged. 

Blankenship explains how this is a huge community event, and how the essence of the event speaks to the essence of the neighborhood — that everyone shows up, dedicates themselves to the larger whole and everyone wants to be a part of the fun.

“People love trying to connect their luminary kits with their neighbors’ along the street, trying to have this consistent row, so that when you’re on a bike or in a car and you’re moving past it, it really looks like moving light all over,” Blankenship explains.

Especially in COVID-times, Blankenship is excited for the opportunity to host safe and engaging neighborly connections through Luminaria. 

“There are so few events that require such communal stewardship at one time,” she says.

When the sun is fully set, everyone lights the candles in their luminaries, and folks from far and wide come through the neighborhood to absorb some holiday cheer. 

Blankenship mentions that biking around the neighborhood the night of Luminaria is an absolute must. There’s no set trail, and that’s the point — the fun in Luminaria is getting lost in your own adventure. You can ride around solo, you can bring some friends, you can even find yourself in the midst of a random biker gaggle. Whatever it might be, Luminaria is meant to be experienced on the move. 

Whether you’re a resident of the community, or someone new to the area, Luminaria is absolutely unmissable for getting yourself into the holiday spirit. It’s simultaneously a demonstration of a community in unity, and a community dedicated to beauty and brilliance. Come for the glow, leave with memories.