The River of Light Lantern Parade will take place in Watertown on Jan. 18, and there are workshops for those wishing to take part. See more in the announcement from Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee.
Get ready to shine bright! The Watertown community is invited to join the River of Light Lantern Parade on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 4-6 PM at the Mosesian Center for the Arts (MCA). Thank you to our event sponsor, Watertown Savings Bank!
This enchanting winter celebration, presented by the Public Arts & Culture Committee in partnership with the Watertown Cultural Council and the Mosesian Center for the Arts, will feature a dazzling procession of handmade lanterns, created by community members during a series of workshops led by Gowri Savoor and several local artists.
Inspired by the theme of “River,” participants have explored diverse interpretations, from the vibrant life within river ecosystems to the mythological lore and cultural significance of waterways. The parade will also feature captivating performances by five local light spinners, adding a mesmerizing touch to the evening.
Join us for this unique community event and experience the magic of light in winter, complete with free hot cocoa and cookies available in the MCA Mbar after the parade. The Watertown Free Public Library’s Bookmobile will also be onsite with books that explore the themes of light and winter.
Several workshops are still available to make lanterns. A short luminaria workshop will be held just before the parade at the Mosesian Center for the Arts at 3:30 PM, led by artist and educator Dawn Scaltreto.
Saturday, January 11, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: River of Light: Pyramid Lanterns at Hatch Makerspace
Monday, January 13, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: River of Light: Tower Lanterns at Hatch Makerspace
Tuesday, January 14, 3:00-5:00 PM: Youth Lantern Making Workshop at Mosesian Center for the Arts
The River of Light Lantern Parade will begin at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, proceed toward the Commander’s Mansion along Kingsbury Ave., and then return along Talcott Ave. The parade will be led by our Parade Marshall, Rick Saunders, Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts for Watertown Public Schools, who will be joined by the Student Parade Band!
Event Schedule:
3:30 PM Luminaria Workshop with Dawn Scaltreto in the MCA Lobby
4:00 PM Arrival Time, bring your lanterns!
4:15 PM Parade Line-up
4:30 PM Parade Start on the MCA Green
5:00 PM Parade End on the MCA Green
5 – 6 PM Light Performers on the MCA Green
For more information, please visit the MCA website:
https://www.mosesianarts.org/timedevents/1930?vrid=cVczNDJ3PT06OjY1MWJjMjlmZDJjMmQ1OWE2ZjM0ZTVhZDkxZjI5Njdl&showall=1
For questions, please contact Liz Helfer, Public Arts & Culture Planner at ehelfer@watertown-ma.gov or by phone at 617-972-6417.