At lantern festival children go out to the streets and carry lit lanterns. Now days, there are many huge lit "lanterns" on display in public areas like squares and parks. It is a time to go out and enjoy the decorations and community.
Last year we stumbled up on an area preparing for the once a year display. We came back that evening. It was crazy crowded, but really really cool.
This year we planned to go to a public area called "Season Square". A few days before we discovered that they were also preparing for a large display.
We ate an early supper and walked to this area. Wow! we were not disappointed!
This "lantern" is about 10 feet tall. Do you see the year 2010 and the tiger? This is the year of the tiger according to the Chinese zodiac calender.
This tiger moved!
I actually saw a lion dance on this night. I did not take any pictures because I really wanted to just watch and it would have been too hard to get a good picture because of the crowd. I have wanted to see a real lion dance' parade since the first time I came to China in 1998! I was so excited! Maybe next year I can snap a picture.
This is a picture of the crowd in the square. It was crazy!
We bought the kids lanterns. These are battery powered. They light up and play music! Maybe next year I can be organized enough to make homemade lanterns.
Even though we have to fight huge crowds, this is one Chinese tradition that we really enjoy.
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