13th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival Tonight

13th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
One festival, six neighbourhoods
Friday, December 22, 2006

The dance of sun and earth has inspired celebrations of the human spirit, expressed through art and music, throughout the ages. Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the longest night of the year with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, live music, dancing - and skating!

On December 22nd, 6:00 - 10:00 pm, come celebrate the return of the sun with a glowing constellation of lanterns shining in six Vancouver neighbourhoods. These six little festivals are community-based and reflect the unique nature of each neighbourhood. Intimate and accessible, each invites participation and each holds special attractions.

West End processions leave from West End and Coal Harbour Community Centers.

Yaletown processions leave from Emery Barnes Park, Cooper‚s Park, and the Vancouver Aquatic Centre.

Granville Island processions start at Leg-In-Boot Square, the Market Courtyard on Granville Island and at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (see Last-minute Lanterns). These 3 processions converge on Granville Island and are greeted by the traditional torch-lit Song Of Welcome by the Vancouver Morris Men. The Carnival Band and the Rhythm Spirit Drummers join forces to lead everyone over to the hill where once again and back by popular demand, a spectacular fire sculpture and fire performance will light the darkest night.

Strathcona and Chinatown processions start at the Strathcona Community Centre and Science World.

The East Side - Commercial Drive procession starts with at festival by the Secret Lantern Society at the Britannia Community Centre.

Wherever you wind up, we hope you feel connected to your community and to the universal spirit of celebration!

For more information, see http://www.secretlantern.org