5 Don’t-Miss Festivals of Light
14. Sep 2015When looking to tell the story of the passing of time and help people appreciate each and every moment, Alusi® designer Maha Alusi turned to the medium of wax and wick. The dance of the flame draws in anyone who is near and entrances all those who bask in its warm glow, making candles the perfect way to spread this message of happiness.
Cultures around the world often turn to candles and other light sources to bring people together. Whether stirring up awe and inspiration or bringing a sense of peace and calm, festivals of light are hugely popular events in all regions of the globe. So no matter what your travels may take you, there is a good chance that a light festival could be included in your plans. From North American to East Asia, here are five uniquely amazing festivals worth checking out.
Vancouver’s Celebration of Light
We might be slightly biased because this one happens in our own hometown, but it’s hard to deny that magic that occurs when countries from around the world compete in a fireworks showdown over the gorgeous English Bay. Top it off with free live music and spread it out over three nights, and you have one unforgettable summer event.
Diwali
Widely known as the Festival of Lights, the Hindu Diwali celebration is the biggest (and brightest!) Indian festival. Signifying the victory of light over darkness, Diwali celebrations see observers dress up in their best outfits and light lamps and candles around their homes before celebrating with fireworks. Of course, Diwali celebrations are not limited to India and can be found every Autumn in Hindu homes and neighbourhoods around the world!
“The Rangoli of Lights” by Subharnab Majumdar – originally posted to Flickr as The Rangoli of Lights. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Commons.
Amsterdam Light Festival
There’s just something about the reflection of light on open water that is hard to top. One of the biggest draws of Vancouver’s Celebration of Light is taken to the next level in Amsterdam, where you can actually enjoy the sights from a canal cruise. Businesses, museums and artists around the city come together to create light sculptures, projections and installations across Amsterdam so that whether you choose to walk through town or take the Water Colours boat tour, you won’t be able to miss unique lightscapes created by international artists.
Image Source: http://www.amsterdamlightfestival.com/
Kobe Luminaire
Ever since since the devastating Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995, the city of Kobe, Japan, has held a light festival commemorate the victims of the natural disaster. With more than 200,000 handpainted lights donated by the Italian government, the Luminaire was meant to be a one-time event providing hope to the people of Kobe who had been plunged into darkness following the quake. It has proven hugely popular with the citizens of Japan and now sees over three million visitors a year who come from around the world to view the breathtaking light designs.
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Medellin River Light Display
To recap: Vancouver’s fireworks are set off over the ocean and viewable from the beach and Amsterdam’s are viewable from a canal cruise, so how could the Medellin, Colombia festival top these? By placing the lights on the river, of course! Medellin’s winter holiday preparations begin in August, and by late November the river and surrounding area is ready for residents and visitors, with over 30 million light bulbs and endless glittering views.
Image Source: https://kaypharr.wordpress.com/tag/colombia/ (c) 2014 Kathryn Pharr
