The Luminaria Ceremony is a Relay for Life tradition, where relay participants and donors dedicate luminaria bags to celebrate loved ones touched by cancer. The luminaria bag is decorated with a picture, message, or design, with a candle inside to represent that one special person. As evening comes, the luminaria bags, each in honor of a loved one, line up the track to light up the night. While participants walk the track, they are guided by the light of the candles and able to see each heartfelt dedication.

“I think they are a very nice way to honor people who are battling cancer or have lost their lives to them,” Relay for Life co-coordinator Shana Duke said.

A crowd is gathered for the Luminaria Ceremony, where participants and survivors share their personal stories to get to the heart of Relay for Life.

To dedicate your own Luminaria, stop by the counseling office to purchase a bag for a minimum of $5. They will also be available at the Relay For Life event.