The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced that the UNM campus will be embellished with luminarias during its annual student tradition of Hanging of the Greens. During this event, attendees, including the community, are urged to bring unwrapped children's books to contribute to the UNM Children’s Hospital, placing them under the tree at Hodgin Hall. This yearly celebration is a cherished tradition that brings together the Albuquerque community and encourages goodwill and giving.
The history of this annual tradition extends back many decades. The long-standing tradition of Hanging of the Greens, dating back to the 1930s, unfolds on December 1 at 5:45 p.m., bringing together the community of students, faculty, alumni, and Albuquerque residents in front of the UNM Bookstore. The festive gathering includes a procession to University House, where a wreath is delivered to President Stokes's front door, with the lively presence of Lobo Louie and Lucy, according to a press release by UNM.
As day turns into evening during this special event at UNM, As night falls, the community assembles at the UNM Bookstore, adorned with Mortar Board members as Christmas elves, alongside Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, engaging in a festive parade and Christmas carol chorus around campus always accompanied by University President Garnett Stokes, Lobo Louie, and Lucy. Upon reaching University House Mortar Board elves leave a wreath at President Stokes's door and carolers are treated to free posole and hot chocolate at Hodgin Hall. In spirit of generosity luminarias from campus can be taken next morning for adorning homes throughout community according to press release by UNM.
Reflecting on its roots, The Hanging of the Greens is the University of New Mexico's oldest annual tradition, bringing together campus community with 14,000 luminarias, hot posole and Christmas carols each December. Rooted in history tradition has evolved from a candlelight procession to a luminaria walk since 1970s, and after brief hiatus in late '70s it was revived in 1980 by Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity according to UNM Over the Years: People, Places and Events website provided by UNM.
