Many countries’ modern winter holiday traditions have their roots in ancient Winter Solstice celebrations. Vancouver is no exception, with the Winter Solstice Lantern Procession winding its way through six Vancouver neighborhoods. In its 17th year, each neighborhood boasts unique musical and visual arts displays inspired by the many cultural groups of the city, bringing light to the longest period of darkness of the year.

From lively drum circles, phenomenal fire dancing performances and traditional Chinese, English and Native American ceremonies, this unique annual event greatly encourages community participation. During the weeks leading up to the Lantern Festival, community workshops are held at various locations around the city so locals and tourists alike can have the opportunity to get their artistic groove on while making their own unique lantern to light the darkness.

You may want to start the evening on the East Side with a intimate concert taking place at one of 3 neighborhood homes. Each house will feature unique performers and lantern displays. If you didn’t get a chance to make your own, lanterns will also be for sale so that you can join the procession down to False Creek.

Also, don’t miss out on the Labyrinth of Light. Based on a combination of rituals from cultures around the world, this guided ceremony invites you to warm yourself and help release old attachments and envision new possibilities as the darkest night of the year birth a new season. Made with over 700 beeswax candles, it is a sight to behold.

The Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown will once again host a stunning array of indoor festivities that are fun for the whole family. Sit beneath the giant Tree Of Life Lantern in the ‘Secret Garden’ or participate in making art, singing and dancing and enjoy dozens of inspiring performances from diverse cultures.

This year, from 6 p.m. three processions will converge on Granville Island, accompanied by the traditional torch lit song of The Vancouver Morris Men. Take in performances by The Carnival Band, the Rhythm Spirit Drummers and M.Pyre Fir  in Ron Basford Park where a spectacular fire sculpture and performance light but the darkest night of the year.

From 7:30 p.m. the False Creek Community Centre gets your toes tapping with the swing jazz genius of Djangoesque. You will also not want to miss the whimsical magic of Mind Of A Snail Puppet Co, a visual storytelling display combining originally crafted puppets, music, masked characters, recycled stuff and eclectic experimentation. Ritual Historian Shauna Born will also be onsite, sharing her vast knowledge of solstice tales and traditions.

If you have the rhythm in your soul, join the drum circle at 8:30 p.m. at Performance Works hosted by Ron Stelting & Friends. Bring your own drum or borrow one, everyone is welcome.

In Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden celebrates Dong Zhi. This traditional chinese festival marks the rebirth of the yang qualities of light and energy. The garden boasts an enchanting display of hand made lanterns by artisits Joey Mallett and Carmen Rosen, with hundreds of community-built tree lanterns and a giant Chinese lantern created by Craig Stewart. The Children’s Lantern Courtyard features imaginative creations from young minds as will as a stunning collection of antique hand-painted lanterns in the Scholar’s Study.

Wherever you find yourself celebrating the longest night of the year (and shortest day) you will be dazzled by the spectacular combination of Vancouver’s cultural diversity during this unique community event.

Filed under : 2010 Events, Attractions by admin