As the sun sets on Saturday, Oct. 4 hundreds of handmade lanterns will fill the lake of Reid Park with light and love for the third annual Water Lantern Festival.
Participants decorate the lanterns with inspirational messages about healing, happiness, memories or struggle that organizers say can be used as a source of inner healing.
“There is really nothing else like it,” said Tess Rowser, one of the event organizers. “Our eco-friendly lanterns each hold so much. It could be a personal struggle or a shared memory with someone you love and it gives people an opportunity to slow down and connect, which is something that people are craving in a world that is the opposite of that.”
This is the festival’s third year in Tucson as organizers said interest and attendance continues to grow each year.
Rowser said the lanterns create a scene of glowing lights that she said represents newfound unity and tranquility.
“This simple act allows complex human emotions to be released. In doing so, they are surrounded by their community and can visibly see that everyone who has a lantern on that lake also has a story to tell,” Rowser said. “It’s a visible reminder that none of us are alone and it’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Water Lantern Festival launched in 2018, with events in 34 American cities that attracted more than 130,000 attendees, according to the festival’s website. There are now more than 50 events in the United States as organizers hope to increase that number to 200 by 2026.
Gilbert in Phoenix’s east valley hosted an event in May and Tempe will hold one on Nov. 7 at Kiwanis Park on South Mill Avenue and South All America Way.
Surprise, Lake Havasu and Prescott are listed on the organization’s website as cities that will host events next year.
Gates on Saturday open at 3:30 p.m. at Reid Park on South Country Club Road and East 22nd Street and the lantern launch takes place at 6 p.m. The festival features local singers, yoga instructors and other performers as well as local food vendors.
Tucson organizers are hoping to increase future attendance including among University of Arizona students and add even more vendors to highlight the city’s unique and vibrant spirit.
“The personality of Tucson is already like no other, but we are always looking to increase our outreach to really make it all about the community itself,” said Rowser.
“Whether you’re coming with friends, family, as a couple or alone, there is a shared emotion that is both personal and universal and is about light and hope and healing while keeping fun and music and connection at the center,” she added.
General admission prices are $37.99 until the day of through waterlanternfestival.com/events/tucson; $57.99 at the gate which includes the lantern kitt, that participants decorate before the launch.
Students can obtain a 25% ticket discount by entering code “UARIZONA25” at checkout.
Water Lantern Festival donates part of the proceeds from ticket sales to several philanthropic causes including their primary partner, Water.org, an organization that promotes access to safe water for people around the world.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
