Join us for the River of Light Lantern Parade, January 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM! Celebrate creativity, community, and light. Artists and community members will showcase handmade lanterns made in our workshops. Experience light through breathtaking performances by local light spinners and dancers. Watertown Free Public Library's Bookmobile will be onsite, and we'll have cookies and hot cocoa inside the Mosesian Center for the Arts at our MBar.
The River of Light is a celebration of light in winter. Presented by the Public Arts & Culture Committee and the Mosesian Center for the Arts in partnership with the Watertown Cultural Council, the lantern-making workshops and wintertime parade build community and bring light. Created by international artist, Gowri Savoor, this exciting new tradition will happen with an exciting parade and event on January 18, 2025 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. The inspiration for the workshops and the parade is River. What does the river mean or evoke for each participant? The rivers are rich with life. Fish, frogs, otters and dragonflies are only some of the animals and insects found in and around the river’s fast-moving waters. Inspiration can also be found in the rivers’ lore from water spirits to river goddesses – let your imagination inspire you! Rivers are roads that take us places and the water of the river is life giving. Rivers need to be protected and kept clean.
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
5:00-6:00 PM Light Performers on the MCA Green
We recommend parking in the free parking garage along Kingsbury Ave.
This event is rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain, we have an indoor parade option at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.
Richard Saunders, our Parade Marshall will be rehearsing the Parade Band at 3:30-4:15 PM in the Main Stage of MCA for the River of Light Lantern Parade at 4:30-5:00 PM. He has invited community members to join the band. Interested musicians should bring their instruments and dress warmly for the parade. If anyone would like to see the music before hand, please email Richard at richard.saunders@watertown.k12.ma.us.
See below for more info about Lantern Making Workshops and the Parade Route Map.
Thanks to our event sponsor:
