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Cove Team
Cove Team
Festivals are happy events that fill our hearts with joy and our minds with hope. We fall in love with life during happy moments and cherish every second. Attending a lantern festival could be one of the best travel experiences in your life. It is an experience that will forever live in your memory and make you smile every time you recall it.
The Lantern Festival takes place in different cities around the world. It is more prevalent among Asian countries, yet many countries outside Asia celebrate it. This festival is a tradition that has risen from religious and cultural origins. Either way, it symbolizes prosperity and peace; it is a tribute to the beloved ones who departed our world in some countries.
As the name suggests, this festival is where the crowd comes together to fly illuminated lanterns. The view of bright lanterns floating in the dark skies will induce emotions of joy and rejoicing. You may have encountered one festival but haven’t seen all of them. Each festival has its charm and ambience.
While the Lantern Festival’s main objective wasn’t to be a tourist attraction, it still lures in several visitors from around the globe. There is a unique charm about seeing thousands of bright lanterns taking over the utter darkness of the night. So, we gathered the most famous lantern festivals in different spots worldwide.
Table of Contents
The Origins of the Lantern Festival
We have already mentioned that the lantern festival is more common in Asian countries than in others. The first took place in China back during the Han Dynasty. After spreading throughout China, the celebration started to escape the Chinese borders and reach other parts of Asia. Years later, Europe and America began to hold this event.
The lantern festival was initially held to honour the Buddha; it was instead known as the Yuan Xiao Festival. Many Buddhist monks adopted the tradition of lighting lanterns on the 15th day of the lunar year and floating them in the air. The main objective of the festival was to promote forgiveness and tolerance.
There is a legend behind the first occurrence of the event that is popular among the Chinese locals. As the tale goes, the Jade Emperor, You Di, was blinded by rage and anger when he learned about the killing of his goose, and he was determined to set a whole town on fire for revenge. However, a fairy appeared out of thin air to terminate his plan and save the people.
That fairy guided the people to light lanterns and release them into the sky across the town. They must do that on the day the Emperor was appointed to cause destruction. Thus, illuminated lanterns flew all over the town, fooling the Emperor that the light was that of the flames eating the town away. Thanks to the devoted fairy, the town was saved from the Emperor’s rage.
Destinations for the Lantern Festivals around the World
Attending a lantern festival can be a rich personal experience. People write private messages before releasing them into the sky with the radiating lantern—seeing thousands of personal messages floating in the sky can be touching. You may feel liberated after letting it off your chest, whether it is a positive or negative message.
It is also breathtaking to see the lanterns brightening up the dark sky. You may have seen this pretty scene in the fabulous Disney Tangled movie. Now, it is time to live the dream and chase the lanterns. Here are the most famous lantern festival destinations across the world:
Spring Lantern Festival – China
Since the event’s origins are in China, it is only fair to start the list with the renowned Chinese lantern festival. The festival takes place on the first full moon night that marks the return of Spring, and it is also known as the Spring Lantern Festival for that very reason.
The event also symbolises a family reunion, a holiday where family members gather to celebrate. Solving lantern riddles is a popular activity that occurs during the festival; winners may also receive little gifts. You should also try the ball-shaped dumplings known as tangyuan; it’s a fixed ritual.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – Taiwan
Taiwan is one of the many countries that celebrate the Lantern Festival. It usually occurs in Pingxi District in New Taipei, hence the name. Many locals collect the waste after the hundreds of lanterns land on the grounds, and they are allowed to exchange the debris for several goods.
Several lantern shops allow visitors to release a lantern into the sky at any time of the year, although the event takes place in February. You may not find this privilege elsewhere. So, if you are set to take on this experience but missed it in many countries, Taiwan should be your next pick.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng – Thailand
Thailand is the only Asian country with more than one lantern festival: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng. Both take place on the same day in November but in different areas. Loy Krathong takes place in Sukhothai, while Yi Peng is in Chiang Mai. Thus, you have two options when it comes to Thailand.
Similarly, the guests celebrate the two festivals by decorating the lanterns with messages and releasing them. However, there’s one different aspect between them. Like most others, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival has lanterns released into the sky. However, the Loy Krathong Lantern Festival has lanterns floating over the waters, showing a fascinating reflection.
Marine Day Lantern Festival – Tokyo
Are you planning to head to Tokyo in July? You should add attending the Marine Day Lantern Festival to your bucket list. The holiday lasts two days and is on the third Monday of July. However, Tokyo’s occasion carries a different symbol from other festivals worldwide.
The objective of the Marine Day Lantern Festival is to honour the ocean. Locals show gratitude to the sea and everything it gives them by lighting up the Front Park overlooking Odaiba Beach. It is a view that you will fall in love with. Also, you may spot several food vendors offering snacks here or there. Maybe grab a snack and enjoy the moments of tranquillity and serenity.
Diwali the Festival of Lights – India
The lantern festival in India is rather known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights. It takes place in autumn and lasts for four or five days. Surprisingly, Diwali is the most important holiday in India; Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains celebrate it. The festival occurs almost all over India; however, Rajasthan has a unique way of celebrating.
The celebration symbolizes success and positivity. Several homes hang illuminated clay lanterns on their windows, creating pretty views of the pathways. Indians, especially Hindus, believe that lanterns can attract fortune and health.
Hoi An Lantern Festival – Vietnam
We have great news! Vietnam‘s famous lantern festival cannot be missed. Not because of its splendour—well, it is fascinating—but because it takes place all year long. The Vietnamese celebrate the full moon every month, so you will always catch the festival no matter when you head to Vietnam.
Hoi An Lantern Festival is not about releasing illuminated lanterns in the sky. Instead, people had embellished lanterns throughout the country. They also light candles within the lantern, creating a unique ambience. You will also find a few lanterns floating over the waters, creating a breathtaking view.
Floating Lantern Festival – Hawaii
Did you know that the United States was among the cities that celebrated the Lantern Festival? Well, now you do. The Floating Lantern Festival is the most popular across the country; it takes place in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The festival takes place on Memorial Day every year, and people pay tribute to the beloved ones who have departed. Drumming performances and shell-blowing are the main aspects of the ceremony. The floating lanterns are the closing finale. People release the lanterns over the sea, where they carry wishes of joy and serenity.
The Rise Lantern Festival – Las Vegas, U.S.A
Several states in America seem to like to participate in the glaring annual activity. The Rise Lantern Festival occurs in Nevada, near the northern part of Las Vegas, and it takes place in October in the tranquil Mojave Desert. Thousands of people gather and release lanterns as a symbol of calling for hope and happiness.
Also, the event raises awareness among people to use eco-friendly objects when creating lanterns. They adopt the policy of “Leave it better than we found it” as a call to sustain the environment. The lanterns are usually biodegradable, which the event organizers retrieve once the event is over.
St. Johns Night – Poland
The Polish version of the lantern festival takes place on St. John’s Night, the shortest night of the year. Every year, thousands of paper lanterns are released to light up the dark sky in Poznan.
The event celebrates the beginning of summer. Like most of the world’s lantern festivals, personal messages are hung from the lanterns. The locals believe that those who attend the spectacular event are guaranteed to witness success and happiness in their lives.
Petra Treasury Lantern Festival – Jordan
Jordan happens to be the only country in the Middle East to celebrate the world’s famous lantern festival. It is a tourist attraction factor rather than a religious or cultural tradition. Moreover, it turns Petra city into a sparkling wonderland, making the beholders wonder.
Hundreds upon hundreds of lanterns are lit before the Petra Treasury. You will see a relaxing scene of several lanterns twinkling in the utter darkness. The flickering lights manage to draw a large number of people. Its main objective is to shed light on the impressive monument of the Petra Treasury.
So, which destination will you pick next to celebrate the dazzling lantern festival?
