ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Approximately 3 million white lightbulbs illuminate the streets of downtown St. Augustine every year during the Nights of Lights holiday event. But what many people don’t know, is that there is one red lightbulb shining among all those bright white ones.
That red lightbulb is not there by mistake or by coincidence. It turns out, it is there for a reason.
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It has a story— a story that goes back to 1994.
Thirty years ago, a city employee decided to put one special red lightbulb somewhere in the Plaza de la Constitución for the Nights of Lights celebration among the white lights. According to the city, that employee thought it would be a fun activity to do with his young daughter.
“They would look at the lights together to try to find the red light,” Melissa Wissel, communications director, told News4JAX.
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St. Augustine’s Assistant Manager of Grounds Joel Autry said in The Break Room podcast on Nov. 12 that the employee, Bobby Mangles, did the special activity with his daughter for about 10 to 15 years.
However, while his daughter is now grown— the tradition is still alive.
“You have to look for it,” Autry said.
According to the city, that specific red lightbulb can be found somewhere in the Plaza de la Constitución since city staff is in charge of lighting that area.
“He doesn’t hide it, you know, he puts it in where it can be seen,” Autry said.
There’s also a green light among the lights, but the city told News4JAX that the story behind this particular light is unknown.
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To this day, the city still makes sure that the red lightbulb is included among the millions of white lights shining in the heart of St. Augustine.
So, next time you visit St. Augustine during this time of the year, make sure to pay attention and look for that red lightbulb.
Who knows, you may be starting your own special tradition with your loved ones as well.
This year, the Nights of Lights event runs from Nov. 23 to Jan. 26, 2025. Click here to learn more about this magical event.