NewsRelease

UNCG Luminaire Display Dec. 9 with 5,000 Candles

GREENSBORO – Students at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro will once again usher in the holiday season when they present the annual luminaire display on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

The event will run from dusk to 10 p.m. Approximately 5,000 candle luminaires will be set out in the middle of campus in the Residence Hall Quadrangle, at the Student Plaza outside the Dining Hall, and on Spring Garden and Aycock streets. Student groups are expected to be caroling on campus and hot chocolate will be available. Visitors are invited to view the luminaires and join UNCG’s campus community in welcoming the holidays.

Since the display’s beginning at UNCG in 1969, the number of luminaires has ranged from 3,500 to a high of 7,000. The display has its origins in Spanish and French Christmas customs. Over the years, more than 130,000 candles and white bags, along with 8-10 tons of sand, are estimated to have gone into the display. The event is sponsored by UNCG fraternities and sororities, whose members will assemble the bags Sunday and Monday, Dec. 7-8.

The luminaire display is held on Reading Day. The campus tradition has provided a nice event to close the semester. When the candles burn out, however, students will turn to their books and burn the midnight oil for further illumination – because final exams start the next morning at 8 a.m.

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