Water Lantern Festival Arrives in Miami

On May 3, the Water Lantern Festival will transform one of Miami’s Tropical Park's lakes into a glowing sea of dreams

Photo courtesy of Water Lantern Festival
Photo courtesy of Water Lantern Festival

There’s just something magical about watching as hundreds of glowing lanterns drift across the water, each carrying a message of hope, love, or remembrance.

On May 3, the Water Lantern Festival will bring this moving experience to the masses at Miami’s Tropical Park, transforming one of the park’s lakes into a glowing sea of dreams.

Photo courtesy of Water Lantern Festival
Photo courtesy of Water Lantern Festival

The event opens at 5 p.m. with live music and food trucks. Ticket-holders will receive a personalized lantern kit, allowing them to add their own messages and designs before launching the lantern onto the water at sunset (approximately 8 p.m.) Pro-tip: arrive early to grab a good viewing spot, and bring a blanket or chair for comfort.

After the float, event staff cleans up the lanterns, which are made of rice paper and wood; the lanterns’ LED candles are also reused and recycled.

The entire experience has garnered national attention, with USA Today naming it the No. 1 festival experience in the United States. This month’s event in the Magic City is just one stop on a multi-month, nationwide string of Water Lantern Festivals, with cities from Los Angeles to Chicago hosting similar glowing celebrations.  

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