PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival has evolved from a novel summer event in 2016 into a beloved summer tradition for the city. Now celebrating its eighth year, the festival held in Franklin Square has become a seasonal highlight for both locals and tourists alike.
This year, the festival once again transforms the historical square into a captivating wonderland filled with light. Over one thousand handcrafted lanterns come together to create intricate displays that range from enchanted forests to the magical underwater world. The centerpiece of this year's festival is a striking 200-foot-long (61-meter-long) dragon, which has become an iconic representation of summer in Philadelphia.
According to Amy Needle, the president and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, the event organizer, the lantern festival has firmly established itself as a summer tradition in the city. “It has definitely become a Philly summer tradition. People really have grown to expect it,” she stated. Many visitors return annually to experience the festival, knowing that each year's lanterns present new and exciting designs.
The diversity of attendees is a testament to the festival's wide appeal, as it draws crowds from various generations and cultural backgrounds. Visitors come to immerse themselves in the breathtaking displays and celebrate a shared experience. Tamea Butler, a visitor from Nashville, Tennessee, remarked on the gathering, saying, “Tonight, it was a beautiful night. Just seeing the different people out, just different cultures out, whether you’re Asian, Black, white... everybody is here to celebrate.”
Some festival-goers, like Philadelphia resident Jamie Lenegan, choose to embrace the cultural aspect by dressing in traditional Chinese attire. “We love to dress up because we want to be immersed in the culture. We want to really embrace the moment and just take it all in,” said Lenegan, who visited the festival for the first time with friends.
For others, the vibrant visuals serve as the main attraction. James Rohmann, visiting from outside the city, expressed his admiration for the spectacle, stating, “All the colors and the lights and stuff like that, you can’t get enough of it. It’s just vivid and beautiful.” He was enjoying a day trip with his son to see the displays.
Traditionally, the Lantern Festival signifies the end of the Lunar New Year period. However, in response to unpredictable winter weather, organizers have strategically scheduled the event for the summer months. This year's Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will continue through August 31, offering guests ample opportunity to experience its allure.
