The bonfire was and has been a wonderful end to the old year. I was so happy to ring in the new year once again with close friends and my loving partner. But the bonfire itself fell short. I can not speak highly enough for those that fought so hard to keep the tradition going. The NOPD, NOFD and the City tried to put it to rest forever. Once the dust settled and both sides came to an agreement, the bonfire was on with rules.
It had a makeover… They put barricades around the fire, the NOFD put the trees on the fire in orderly fashion and no fireworks near/in the fire to thrill/frighten us. To me it lost its bohemian, pagan spirit. I think the WWL post is off base putting a positive spin on a somewhat sterilized experince. I could help but think as I stood near the barricade that it was almost spectacle and zoo like.
One woman, who I would like to think did it not only for her spirit but also ours, jumped the barricade naked and ran once around the fire. I still think I want to go in the future… I love kissing my girl under the falling, snow like ash with the scent of pine surrounding us. Or maybe we can find a different fire to gather around. I need that fire. It represents the clearing away and making room for renewed joy and happiness.
These were taken by my love…
2 Comments
I was afraid it had gone down the drain. Glad to hear they stopped thinking with their heads (and the little tiny holes to their open minds). Some things, like tradition, have to do with heart and spirit. That’s the value of it. Hoping you and yours a great New Year!
Jesse
I couldn’t agree with you more, as as one of the Bonfire Krewe I am going to continue to advocate for more access to the fire, and for some sort of setting where people can run the bonfire. If that doesn’t work, then maybe we need to start a new Mid-City bonfire somewhere else.
P.S. Added you to the Toulouse Street blogroll.