33 Years of Light: Providence’s Big Blue Bug Shines Bright This Holiday Season

It's finally ok to light the tree, or in the case of a Rhode Island landmark, it's time to light the bug!

We have all been to a tree lighting ceremony at least once in our lives. Sometimes, we even get lucky and get to see the jolly man himself make an appearance.

It's always a  magical evening when they light the tree in downtown New Bedford on a crispy, chilly night, with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. For many, it's a core childhood memory.

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What Is the Big Blue Bug Lighting Ceremony?

While I have viewed this as a holiday tradition, there has been another that I just now became aware of, and I'm ashamed I didn't know about it sooner. Did you know that Providence's infamous Big Blue Bug, or "Nibbles Woodaway," has a bug lighting ceremony? Yes, they throw some holiday lights on Nibbles and hold a ceremony to light him up for the season for everyone to see as they drive by on Interstate 95.

The host of the ceremony is usually a highly regarded public figure. It's a big deal to be named the host. They've also dedicated the ceremony to local legends, such as when they did so for the late Nick Cardi of Cardi's Furniture.

I'm aware they give Nibbles lights and even a red nose, as I have seen that in years past. It's the ceremony part that has me scratching my head. How did I not know?

READ MORE: Famous "Big Blue Bug" Actually Has a Name and We Just Never Knew

It's well-known that Nibbles has been getting fun costumes since the '90s, but a whole ceremony to light him up for the season is news to me. Here is the kicker: this year was the 33rd annual lighting of the Big Blue Bug.

Here is a video of the ceremony.

It brings new meaning to the saying, " I was today years old when..."

Other Unique Holiday Traditions on the SouthCoast

It got me thinking, not everyone wants to deal with decorating a tree this time of year. Is there something else in your home that you decorate?

Are there more ceremonies on the SouthCoast to celebrate the lighting of something other than a tree? These are things I need to know.

Regardless, since the bug has been lit, it's definitely ok to decorate your home for the holidays now.