The annual Wake Up the Earth Festival and Parades are one of the best days of the year in Jamaica Plain -- and the festival is this Saturday. This year is the 41st Wake Up the Earth Festival! The festival has a fascinating creation story. It began in 1979 when a group of local neighbors and activists came together to stop the Interstate 95 expansion into Jamaica Plain -- and won their fight! Organized by Spontaneous Celebrations, the parades are boisterous, creative, with bands, stilt walkers, dancing, giant puppets, and of course, dogs in costumes!
It’s been nearly two years since the inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States and January 20 is the actual anniversary – and it’s when local activist group Boston For All is “reclaiming this day in the spirit of goodwill, community, and inclusion.”
With District 6 City Councilor Matt O’Malley, Boston For All is inviting the community to join them at ‘Fun For All,’ a completely free community fun fair that will include a professional storyteller, a singalong, activist art activities facilitated by local artists and circus arts training with teachers from the Commonwealth Circus Center. There will also be opportunities for participants to write and draw messages for those held in detention centers. While this event is about enjoyment and fun, it does have a serious side, as it will also serve as a fundraiser for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), a national organization providing free legal services for immigrant children. KIND has been at the forefront of efforts to assist migrant children separated from their parents. Representatives from KIND will be on hand to provide information about their work. “I am thrilled to be partnering with Boston For All for their first Fun For All event which promotes fun, kindness and inclusion while contributing to an important cause,” said O’Malley.
The cold arrived just in time for Jamaica Plain's annual Lantern Parades this past weekend. Participants, some donning costumes, met at Jamaica Pond's Boat House on Saturday and Sunday, and paraded around the pond with lanterns in tow at dusk. You don't have to be young, or with a youngster (at least in a photo) to enjoy Jamaica Plain's lantern parades. This is the 35th year for the annual tradition presented by Spontaneous Celebrations and the Friends of Jamaica Pond. Some participants wore scary costumes, and the classic skeleton outfit never goes out of style.
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). 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.
Join Spontaneous Celebrations on August 4th for a community, arts and wellness fair. This all day free event will include musicians, artists, performers, and wellness practitioners. This celebration is family friendly and everyone is welcome. This event is from 10 am to 4 pm and being held at Spontaneous Celebrations (45 Danforth St.).
