The Luminaria Pillars are a reference to the Mexican folk art tradition of the perforated tin votive lights which are used to decorate and illuminate the home environment.

The two perforated steel pillars are identical, but at night the neon lights inside create a different effect. One pillar displays the colors red, white and blue from the colors of the American flag. The other pillar is illuminated with red, white and green neon which represents Mexico.

The pillars are placed side by side as a celebration of the interdependence of our two cultures. Escondido was once Mexican territory and California neighbors Baja California. These important facts signify the influences in the creation of the Luminaria Pillars.