Réveillon

Réveillonby Maggie Bokobza

GROWING UP IN NEW ORLEANS you quickly learn that we love any excuse for a party. So, of course we have a unique take on holiday cheer.

No sooner are we putting away Thanksgiving dishes, than we start to feel the change. Friends send invites to afternoon meals that go into the evening. Restaurants promote new menus and festive cocktails, “Join us for a réveillon dinner!” they exclaim. So, what is the réveillon? And how has it become such an important part of celebrating the holidays in New Orleans?

The réveillon gets its name from the French verb meaning “awaken.” This is a nod to the fact that the meal would be enjoyed by Catholics following the Christmas Eve midnight mass. The midnight mass, a practice that was first adopted in Europe in the Middle Ages, was a cheeky way to cut down on the amount of time one would spend fasting ahead of Christmas. Guests would arrive at home following mass and were encouraged to remain awake into the wee hours of the morning, breaking their fast with a decadent meal.

When the French came to New Orleans, they brought their tradition of the réveillon with them. The dishes were usually dependent on where you lived, and what was considered a local luxury. This often meant seafood, slow-cooked items that could be prepared in advance, like grillades and lots of champagne. The early morning meal would also often include breakfast dishes, such as grits or eggs. This practice still spills over into many traditional late-night New Orleans meals, including those served around carnival.

When I landed in France five years ago the connections between my hometown and my adopted home of Paris became clearer. There are the expected signs of the season approaching such as lights in the trees, decorated department stores and Christmas markets for everyone to enjoy. But deeper than that is the connection between the food traditions of Paris and New Orleans.

To cater to seasonal demand, many grocery stores carry luxury items you can usually only find in fine épicerie shops; from liver and lobsters to dried fruits and champagne. Like roadside shrimpers in south Louisiana, the streets of Paris host fisherman selling boxes of oysters ready to be served.

The rich history of the réveillon connects us to our French past every holiday season. But one thing is certain: there will always be revelry in the réveillon.

The Pentecostals of Mandeville

The Pentecostals of Mandeville is a thriving apostolic church where everyone is welcome. Founded in 2005, it has become known as a center of compassion and hope comprised of a body of growing Christians striving to leave an eternal impact on the world around them. Their commitment to community service is felt in many local organizations, such as Keep Mandeville Beautiful, The OWEL Project, James Samaritan Center, Safe Harbor, and local nursing homes. The POM offers something for everyone with ministries, services and events designed to meet the needs and interests of believers of all ages. Senior Pastor, Paul Trentacoste, and his wife Malinda, share a remarkable testimony of redemption and faith. Their love for people is apparent in each warm, hearty greeting and their genuine concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of everyone they meet. Their unique ministry offers a fresh perspective of Pentecost – one of the fastestgrowing spiritual experiences across the globe! Friends of The POM, Kenny and Jennifer Adams say, “From the very first day our family walked into The POM, we were treated like family. There is an undeniable feeling of love and the Holy Spirit in this church that I have never felt anywhere else!” Kelly Brewster, WHNP, of the Center for Women’s Health in Covington, is one of the 36 original members of The POM and says, “There is no place like The POM. Others say everyone is welcome, but when you walk in our doors, you feel like you are home.” Scan the QR code below to download our app and find out more about service times, upcoming holiday events and our newest church campus, The Pentecostals of Abita Springs!

November 21 – Thanksgiving Celebration, lunch immediately following December 12 & 19 – ‘Make Room’ Christmas Series