Editor’s note: Video is from last year’s Hanukkah celebration in Las Cruces.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Las Cruces will celebrate Hanukkah with its 15th annual menorah lighting and concert event at the Downtown Plaza de Las Cruces.
The event will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. This is the fifth night of the eight days of Hanukkah.
“It’s more important than ever to come together as a community during these times, especially during the holiday of Chanukah, which celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness,” said Rabbi Bery Schmukler, director of the Chabad Jewish Center in Las Cruces. “We’re excited to celebrate Judaism with joy and pride, and make our culture accessible to the greater Las Cruces community.”
The lighting event will feature what has come to be known as a Gelt drop. Firefighters from the Las Cruces Fire Department will climb to the top of an extended ladder and shower down chocolate Gelt (coins) on Holiday-themed parachutes.
Participants will enjoy a full array of Hanukkah activities for adults and children. Some of the highlights of the festival are inflatables for children, craft booths, balloon artists, face painting, and more.
You can also enjoy food like potato latkes and doughnuts and live music by the Los Klezmerados de Santa Fe and a fire show by Odd Lab.
“Chanukah propagates the universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem by lighting the Menorah. Today as then, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place. We are asking everyone to come to show support,” organizers said in a news release.
The Hanukkah celebration at the Las Cruces plaza is free and is open to the community.
For more information, click here.
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