Many of the lanterns, all hand-made, were carried—or worn—by those who attended the event, while others were set among the trees, on the ponds, and along the paths of the park and St. Ann’s Academy grounds.
Local performance artists, including dancers, puppeteers, story tellers, and musicians—accoustic only—livened up the atmosphere as throngs of Victorians strolled through the park taking it all in.
To celebrate Luminara’s 10th anniversary, the Jolivet family, who attend the event every year, made an illuminated birthday cake of bamboo and paper on which “Happy 10th Birthday Luminara” was written in brightly coloured letters.
Back in 2005, however, the festival, which is organized by the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, was struggling financially and looked like it wouldn’t survive to see its 10th birthday. But thanks to donations and sponsors, it has not only carried on but thrived.
“It’s a festival for the people,” festival director Karin Scarth told the Times Colonist in an interview.
“When we thought we’d have to cancel it, people came forward and said no, this is part of Victoria. [Luminara] isn’t a product people can attend—rather, it’s something people can be a part of.”
Many participants were creative in making use of the landscape, including Hilarie Ann Higgins and her “Mesmerizing Mermaid” display. Higgins sat by a pond, dressed in an illuminated mermaid costume surrounded by glowing fish.
At the Falun Dafa display, three young ladies wearing colourful costumes and using fans demonstrated classical Chinese dance, an ancient art form. While Lulu Feng, sitting in a pink lotus flower, performed a “dance” composed of graceful hand and arm movements during a particularly heavy shower, two thoughtful attendees sheltered her with their umbrellas.
Kids of all ages could be seen dressed in an array of imaginative costumes—angels, fairies, princesses, and superheros. Here and there, lanterns hung from trees. One that made its own particular statement was a lone, white miniature tepee crafted from wooden skewers and paper. In another tree sat a giant cheshire cat made of laminated tissue paper.
A large hedge festooned with a variety of illuminated fixtures where people could make a wish, write it out, and pin it on the hedge drew a lot of interest. Wishes included “I wish for a Teddy Bear,” “I wish all animals are treated better,” “I wish for a good boyfriend,” and “I wish everyone was friendly.”
Despite the fact that the St. Ann’s grounds closed around 9 p.m. due to the weather and that some displays got rained out, the mood remained upbeat. The event drew about 15,000 people.
