Sedona, AZ: December in Sedona is a magical time. Especially at the beautiful Mexican-style village that is the Art and Soul of Sedona - Tlaquepaque. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to be in the midst of 6,000 golden-hued luminarias that punctuate every wall, balcony, patio, and cobbled stone walkway in the arts village. If ever there was a place for bedazzlement and holiday wonder, the 36th Annual Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque is it.
Everyone -- the young, young at heart and revelers everywhere -- is invited to the holiday celebration on Saturday, December 12th, from 3 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, as is the Sedona Trolley service from the uptown Municipal parking lot to Tlaquepaque, available throughout the festival hours.
For many the lighting of a luminaria has a special significance. A Tlaquepaque tradition for six years, cancer survivors are honored and those that lost their lives to cancer are remembered as friends and families dedicate a luminaria in their name. Donations to help fight the disease are gratefully accepted by the American Cancer Society. The sponsored luminarias will their special messages are then placed around the fountain at Patio del Norte. “This can be a challenging time of year for many families. We want to especially remember those that are heroically fighting cancer or who overcame it… as well as those who did not. In a small way we pause to acknowledge them at this special time of year,” said Wendy Lippman, general manager and managing partner of Tlaquepaque.
At 5 p.m., candles will be handed out to everyone. Kids, parents, grandparents and visitors from all over love to light their candles and place them in the luminaria bags. Not long after, the stunning spectacle of light, over 6000 luminarias is complete.
The weekend event will kick off the night before with popular singer Ron Tolson whose deeply melodic baritone voice will fill the Tlaquepaque Chapel on Friday, December 11, from 4 to 7 p.m.
On Saturday starting at 3 p.m., gather the kids in Patio Del Norte to see the arrival of Santa Claus and his elf, accompanied by Christmas favorites sung by Sedona’s Tom and Shondra. The Chavez Jazz Trio with Frankie Chavez, accomplished drummer and percussionist, will perform from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in Patio Del Norte.
At Plaza de la Fuente from 5:30 to 8 p.m., listen to the heart-pounding, uplifting vocals and perfect harmonies of the 60-person River of Life Tabernacle Choir. Astounding in their mastery of song, their repertoire is both traditionally seasonal and inspiring gospel.
Traditional Christmas music delivered with the upbeat sounds of steel drums, marimba and more by percussionist Paul McDermand will thrill the crowds in Patio de las Campanas from 3 to 8 p.m. At the Chapel from 4 to 5:30 p.m., be sure not to miss Sedona’s Jim Buchanan and stay for the Leman Music Ensemble from 6 to 8 p.m., performing traditional Christmas favorites.
It wouldn't be a traditional Tlaquepaque event without the Roaming Mariachis Familia Rojas – a big hit from the Fiesta, from 4 to 8 p.m. Carolers will stroll throughout the village during the afternoon to round out the holiday cheer.
Home to more than 40 shops and galleries and four restaurants, Tlaquepaque, the Art and Soul of Sedona, now in its 37th year, is located at 336 Highway 179 at the Oak Creek Bridge just south of 89A on Highway 179. It is open daily at 10 a.m. For more information call (928) 282-4838, or visit www.tlaq.com.
Article courtesy of Jill Kyriakopulos.
Posted November 4, 2009.
