The highly anticipated Chinese Lantern Festival made a vibrant return to Franklin Square last weekend, drawing crowds with its stunning displays and cultural celebrations.
Among the highlights was a massive 200-foot-long blue dragon, captivating visitors with its glowing yellow eyes as it loomed over the festivities.
This year’s festival boasts an impressive array of over 1,100 lantern displays, many featuring moving parts, which added to the overall charm.
The displays showcased various themes, including natural scenes, animals, underwater seascapes, and decorative tunnels, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
At the entrance, children enjoyed hopping across color-lit tiles, adding an interactive element to the experience.
“Every year is something different for even kids to do,” said Syka Jiminez, a bus driver who commuted from Camden with her 3-year-old son.
She expressed her enthusiasm about the festival offering a learning experience about different cultures.
Having attended the festival annually for the past five years, Jiminez shared that her visits had become a tradition for her family.
“He did come as an infant in the stroller,” she noted. “So he’s been coming every year. It’s almost like a tradition for him.”
As visitors strolled through the park, many paused to take photos with the intricate displays.
Dwayne Rooks, a mental health technician at a Main Line Health Hospital, described himself as a beginner photographer, eager to capture the festival’s sights.
“I’m taking photos,” Rooks said, as he enjoyed moments with his girlfriend, Ciera King.
They were captivated by a seascape featuring giant anglerfish, whose eerie allure he acknowledged, recalling their representation in popular culture such as Finding Nemo.
“She knew exactly what they were,” Rooks explained, appreciating the artistic depiction of the deep-sea creatures.
The festival’s opening night brought together numerous attendees, celebrating special occasions and the lively atmosphere.
Sophie Lee, recently graduated from Swarthmore College, celebrated her 22nd birthday at the festival with her friend Jillian Provaznik.
“I’m 22 today!” Lee exclaimed, as they soaked in the ambiance.
Seated in the festival’s cocktail garden, they savored drinks under glowing lanterns, embracing the celebrations.
“I have the lychee lemonade,” Provaznik commented. “It’s delicious.”
Lee noted her connection to the festival, recalling her Vietnamese heritage, and expressed enthusiasm for the cultural experience.
“Feels good being 22,” she said. “The world’s unsure, but I wake up every day, so the sun is shining.”
Talitha Troupe, a life strategist and dating coach from Allentown, attended the festival with her partner to celebrate their anniversary.
“This is by far the coolest so far,” Troupe remarked as she admired the beautiful lanterns adorning the park.
She expressed that the experience felt magical, comparing it to a childhood visit to Disney.
“It’s fun for the kids,” she added, acknowledging that adults could equally enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Others, like Lou Tumolo, stopped by the festival out of curiosity, having driven past it numerous times without ever visiting.
“I’m splendidly surprised,” Tumolo said, describing the beauty and artistry of the displays.
He attended the festival with his daughter Ella, who particularly enjoyed the illuminated walking tiles.
“The craftsmanship and the imagination that went into all of this, it’s like a whole little world here that I didn’t know existed walking by all these years,” Tumolo reflected.
As the festival unfolds, it promises to offer a captivating experience for all ages, filled with cultural appreciation and creative artistry.
Check out more photos from this weekend’s opening of the Chinese Lantern Festival in our slideshow below.
image source from：billypenn
