Fire & Water
Come experience the towering bonfire, savor local flavors, and enjoy artisan shopping for a festive night on the river.
Imagine a brilliant blaze lighting up the banks of the Mississippi River, casting a glow over the city skyline and sparking the start of the holiday season for all to enjoy.
Free and open to the public, the Algiers Bonfire and Concert has been a beloved Louisiana tradition since 2016, which features a 30-foot sculptural bonfire, live musical performances, food from local vendors, and a holiday market with artisan shopping.
Hosted by the Algiers Economic Development Foundation, this community celebration will be held on December 7 at 200 Morgan St. on the Algiers batture, the land between the river and the levee. Recognized as the largest bonfire in New Orleans, the Algiers Bonfire and Concert unites locals and visitors for a night of music, food, and a giant bonfire on the levee, lighting the way for Papa Noël, the Cajun Santa Claus, on his airborne journey.
Although the tradition of lighting bonfires dates back to the 1880s, the bonfire structure has evolved over the years. Today, the designs are more imaginative and creative, with a focus on the effigy, or bonfire centerpiece, which is admired for its artistic detail and grandeur before going up in flames. "You can see it from many miles away," said Eric Arvidson, the lead artist and fabricator for the Algiers Bonfire and Concert. "The effigy is a 25 to 30-foot-tall structure, which produces a 60-foot flame burning at one point. It is a substantial fire for about 15-20 minutes. You can watch it from across the river on the Eastbank."
Arvidson pointed out that the bonfire design for last year resembled a big arched stone structure created as a tribute to the 2024 Paris Olympics. "We try to mix up the designs to evoke excitement from the crowds. Some effigies have a lot of detail like the Victorian house we built in 2018," said Arvidson. "This year's design is a surprise. We are always thinking of ways to create something iconic."
Arvidson, assisted by a group of burners, will construct the sculptural design off-site and transport it in large pieces for the final assembly at Algiers Point. "It takes three months to build it," Arvidson, who is also a member of the Fire Team of the Burning Man organization, said. "The new wood for the basic structure comes from Home Depot or Lowe's, and the reclaimed wood is sourced from the Greater New Orleans and Algiers businesses."
For many, this dazzling display marks a family-friendly kickoff to the holidays, highlighting Algiers as both a historic landmark and a growing center for business, art, and community life. As one of New Orleans' oldest neighborhoods, Algiers also benefits economically from the bonfire event.
"This yearly celebration boosts Algiers' pride [and] sparks economic growth by supporting local vendors, attracting tourists and highlighting the Westbank's importance to New Orleans' cultural and economic future," emphasized LaVerne Toombs, interim executive director of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation.
Local vendors including Shawntell Manuel, owner of the Big Dog BBQ on the Go, have worked with the Algiers Economic Development Foundation for several years and look forward to the Algiers Bonfire and Concert. "It is always a pleasure to serve my community," said Manuel, whose business is located in Algiers at 3146 General Meyers Ave. "I have been doing festivals since 2013, but I love Algiers because the people are great, and everybody knows me. A lot of people enjoy my specialty 'Jakamein' because it keeps them warm until they set up the fire."
According to Manuel, "Jakamein," which is a combination of noodles, eggs, beef, green onions, and broth, is only one of her many food items she serves up at the bonfire. "I have homemade burgers called Mardi Gras burgers, which is a local favorite," Manuel said. "Some other tasty dishes are ribs, pulled-pork sandwiches with coleslaw, smoked sausage, and chargrilled oysters. I love the bonfire because you can see all the families gather together."
Charles Langford, another local vendor and owner of Charlie's Waxworks, eagerly awaits the event each year. "My favorite part is the bonfire itself," said Langford, who sells body fragrances, candles, incense, and soap. "You can feel the energy ramp up because everyone is anticipating the fire. It is an unifying experience where the community comes together and symbolically burns away the stressors of the day."
Last year, the crowd was substantial, with nearly 5,000 people in attendance, according to Toombs. In addition to the on-site parking, Toombs recommends arriving via the Algiers Ferry, which will offer extended hours of operation and is located adjacent to the event grounds.
Food trucks and local vendors showcasing arts and crafts will be open from 2 to 7 p.m., with the bonfire tentatively scheduled to ignite closer to 7 p.m. "It's dark when we light the fire," Arvidson said. "The musical second line proceeds from the stage and brings the attention to the bonfire."
Rest assured, the event is safe and monitored by the New Orleans Fire Department. Bring your chairs and relax on the levee to soak in the bonfire display as music, food, and culture merge in a vibrant celebration of holiday magic.
"You'll see a lot of families with strollers and groups of people who come out for the music and take a look at all the vendors," Langford said. "But, it's the bonfire that brings everyone together."
