Jamaica Pond Lantern Parades on Oct. 20 & 21; Lantern Making Workshops All Week

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The very popular annual Jamaica Plain Lantern Parades are on Saturday and Sunday. There are also several lantern making workshops this week for kids (and adults).

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.

Esther Ro

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.

This is the 35th year for the annual tradition presented by Spontaneous Celebrations and the Friends of Jamaica Pond. It truly is one of Jamaica Plain's most beloved events that attracts hundreds of kids, adults and dogs.

Before the parade, people gather by the Jamaica Pond Boat House, and hang their lanterns to display for all to enjoy the varied designs. The parades start at dusk on both Saturday and Sunday, as people walk around the pond holding their lanterns. You are welcome to bring your own homemade or store bought lantern. It is free to participate.

You can make your own lantern using whatever method, resources and supplies you choose. Cut off soda bottles, milk containers, plastic containers can do the trick. You can also purchase lantern kits for $5 at Boing! on Centre Street.

Esther Ro

Kaitlin Jacobucci, 6, searches for a lantern to claim for herself at the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade on Oct. 18, 2014.

There are also lantern making workshops this week at libraries, Spontaneous Celebrations and the Jamaica Pond Boat House. Below is the schedule:

Monday, October 15
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Egleston Square Branch Library
2044 Columbus Ave., Roxbury

Tuesday, October 16
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Connolly Branch Library
433 Centre St., JP

Wednesday, October 17
4– 5:30 pm
Jamaica Plain Branch Library
30 South St., JP

Friday, October 19
3 – 9 pm
Spontaneous Celebrations
45 Danforth St, JP ($5 suggested donation)

Saturday, October 20
4 – 6 pm
Jamaica Pond Boat House
507 Jamaicaway, JP $5 (suggested donation)

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