As we wrap up a great summer season, we naturally look to the cooler autumn days and, of course, our time-honored annual Lighting On The Hill. This year, we are excited to go back to older traditions and will hold the ceremony on Thanksgiving Eve – Wednesday, November 27 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. – in person and on our historic grounds. 

Why did we move it in the first place? 

A little history

The Mayflower set sail from England in September of 1620, bound for Virginia. They were blown off course and made landfall in what is now Provincetown. The date they noted in their diaries was November 11, 1620. However, be aware they were using the Julian calendar, which was accepted at the time. 

In 2020, in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Pilgrims’ arrival, we moved the Lighting On The Hill to November 11 – in honor of the date they recorded as having reached Provincetown.

Since 1620, the Gregorian calendar has become the worldwide standard as it is more accurate. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Mayflower arrived around November 24th, which is often the night before Thanksgiving – and the day we used to hold the lighting until 2020. After listening to what our community preferred, we decided to move it back to later November. 

What does it mean?

For most, the lighting of the Monument for five and a half weeks simply signifies the time the Mayflower Pilgrims spent on the Outer Cape before raising anchor and sailing onto what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts (and giving a particular rock notoriety). For those of us who grew up in the area, the lighting is more than an event. It’s tradition. It’s the holidays. It’s a part of our identity and history.

Raised in Truro, PMPM Board Member, Elisa Perel, recalls attending the annual lighting as a child and still makes a point to experience it each year to this day. 

“Growing up, the lighting was a fun kick-off to the holiday season! We’d get all bundled up with our family (some years I remember being in a snowsuit), cheered and counted down until the lights turned on. It was the pre-Thanksgiving celebration, welcoming family, good food and festivities to the long weekend. Today that sentiment has not changed, but now I recognize that it brings the community together in a beautiful way and welcomes the winter holiday season. When everyone makes their pilgrimage to town to spend time with their families, making your way up to the Monument is a true celebration of community, friends, family and Provincetown.” ~Elisa Perel

Stay tuned for more details regarding this year’s Lighting On The Hill but be sure to mark your calendars. We will have a DJ, local cocktails, mocktails and food for purchase – It’s going to be a great time!

We cannot wait to see you up on High Pole Hill this year!