Lantern Parade

The Lantern Parade began in 1984 as a seasonal celebration to bring light into the winter: “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” It is a two-night family outing with music, home-made cider and empanadas. Jamaica Pond is circled with light by families carrying community-made lanterns.

For some participants it’s the first time seeing that liquid jewel of the Emerald Necklace. Spontaneous celebrations holds workshops in local schools, libraries, housing developments and community centers where artists teach community members how to make their own lanterns with everyday materials. Children and adults leave the workshops with skills and creations to bring to the Lantern Parade, and back to their homes and communities.

The gathering begins at 6pm. Participants meet and light their lanterns at the Jamaica Plain Boat house. Freshly pressed Apple Cider is affordably sold hot or cold, as are empanadas and other grab and go food items. A line up of local musicians and artists participate and offer entertainment for the crowd.

This year we are planning to partner with the following organizations to provide entertainment:

1) The North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICB) to provide music and dance

2) Paige Academy, a Roxbury based independent school, to provide African drumming and dance

3) Pumawari Tusuy to perform traditional Peruvian dance

We will highlight and celebrate through engagement all families and people. We incorporate artistic traditions and performances from different cultures including Native American, African, Latino, and Dutch traditions. Our event occurs in a public space and is free to attend and wheelchair accessible.