A tradition that has continued to spread throughout Matlacha for 27 years will again grace the community on Christmas Eve.

Matlacha Luminaries organizer Kathy Broderick invites everyone to join in on the festivities.

“It’s very peaceful and it’s a nice night,” she said, adding that people turn their radio stations to 106.3 for Christmas music, which only enhances the spirit of the holidays.

The event, Broderick said, gives people who are in town for the holidays something to do.

Last year was the first year the luminaries were placed on the other side of Pine Island Road into Matlacha Avenue.

“It was a big success,” she said, adding that almost 300 luminaries were set up. “People were excited about it.”

This year there will be 350 luminaries set up on Matlacha Avenue.

Broderick said Island Avenue will have about 1,200 luminaries this year.

The luminaries will be set up in Matlacha along Island Avenue and across Pine Island Road into Matlacha Avenue, as well as the surrounding streets.

The bags will be filled with sand and candles on the corner lot of Island Avenue and Velma Street on Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. Volunteers are asked to bring a small garden shovel, chair if needed, as well as vehicles, so the luminaries can be delivered along the streets.

Those interested in providing a helping hand can call Broderick at 239-282-9556.

The luminaries will be lit at dusk for everyone to enjoy.

Billie Young and Diane Maher are also organizers of the event.