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34th Annual Jamaica Plain Lantern Parade Oct. 21st & 22nd

By David Ertischek on October 18, 2017
Twins Veronica (left) and Victoria, 9, light lanterns in preparation for the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade on Oct. 18, 2014. The girls are involved in Spontaneous Celebrations’ La Piñata program, a traditional music and dance group directed by Rosalba Solis.

Last updated on October 9, 2017

One of the greatest JP traditions is the annual Lantern Parade around Jamaica Pond. Children, adults (and dogs!) gather to enjoy music, food and drink, design their own lanterns, and then walk around the pond with their glowing creations.

The Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade, a tradition hosted by community group Spontaneous Celebrations since 1984, attracts thousands of local residents and visitors from outside the neighborhood every year for a weekend of beautiful lights. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 19 at the Jamaica Pond Boat House.
The Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade, a tradition hosted by community group Spontaneous Celebrations since 1984, attracts thousands of local residents and visitors from outside the neighborhood every year for a weekend of beautiful lights.

People are welcome to gather at the Jamaica Pond Boathouse from 5:30 to 9 pm. The parades starts at 6 pm on both Saturday, Oct. 21st and Sunday, Oct. 22nd and is presented by Spontaneous Celebrations and Friends of Jamaica Pond.

Come before the parades and you can buy and decorate your own lantern!

Rainy weather did not deter Suman Appadwedula and her daughter Isha from parading around Jamaica Pond with their lanterns on Oct. 18, 2014.
Rainy weather did not deter this mother and daughter from parading around Jamaica Pond with their lanterns in 2014.

There will be music by Opposite People, as well as fresh pressed hot apple cider, Empanadas by Joshua and baked goods from Fiore’s.

There are also other times and places to make lanterns. There will be a pre-parade reception on Friday, Oct. 20th from 6 to 9 pm to eat, drink and make lanterns at Spontaneous Celebrations (45 Danforth St.). The Haven (2 Perkins St.) is also hosting a lantern making workshop on Sunday, Oct. 22nd from 2 to 4 pm.

Kaitlin Jacobucci, 6, searches for a lantern to claim for herself at the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade on Oct. 18, 2014.
The annual Jamaica Plain Lantern Parade is a great family-friendly event.
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