Water Lantern Festival glowing into the weekend
Messages of love, hope, reflection and happiness will glow to life this weekend as the Water Lantern Festival brings people together for a night of magic at Orlando Watersports Complex.
Event guests will each receive a floating lantern kit, LED candle and marker at the festival July 17 to write messages in memory of a loved one, a life triumph, a future wish or hope for peace. In addition, the family-friendly event offers food trucks, live music, vendors and games to explore.
“We wanted a festival that could bring people together … an event that helped promote well-being, peacefulness, calmness, happiness and togetherness,” said Sage Parker, a spokesman for the Water Lantern Festival, in an email. “It’s a magical thing to watch the unique lanterns drift out into the water as they join other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing,
peace and connection.”
The Water Lantern Festival brings dozens of events to cities across the U.S. and Canada.
In Orlando, families and friends will have a chance to gather and connect beginning at 5:30 p.m., spreading out on picnic blankets or camp chairs as the sun begins to set. During this time, guests can decorate lanterns and explore the festival’s offerings. At 7:30 p.m., an opportunity for connecting, storytelling and meditation begins.
“Everybody who participates in our festivals has each lived a unique life filled with griefs and hardships as well as
triumphs and happiness,” Parker said. “Right before the lantern launch, we hold a special half-hour called lantern stories. During this time, we open the stage to allow participants to share their stories behind why they chose to participate in the festival and the meaning behind their lanterns.”
At 8:30 p.m., participants are invited to float their lanterns on the water during the one-hour launch window. Then it’s time to sit back, reflect, watch the lanterns and enjoy the festival fellowship.
Afterward, event volunteers clean up all the lanterns in addition to any existing trash that may have previously been in or around the water. Lanterns are made from rice paper and wood, so
they are as eco-friendly as possible. The LED candles are gathered for reuse or recycled.
If you go
The Orlando Water Lantern Festival is 5:30-10 p.m. July 17 at 8615 Florida Rock Road in Orlando. Ticket prices start at $11.99 per youth ticket and $25.99 per adult ticket before fees. Prices go up closer to the event. Upgraded packages are available. For more information and tickets, visit waterlanternfestival. com.
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