Kensington Market Festival of Lights

Photo by Matei Savulescu

2008 is the 20th year of the Kensington Market Festival of Lights, which is a very fun (and free!) event that includes fire, folklore, music, street theatre, and celebration.


Photo by Mr. Sharkey-san

Every year on the Winter Solstice people gather in Toronto's Kensington Market to parade (or dance!!) with their handmade lanterns through the Market and stop at a slew of vignettes to watch fables and lore from various cultures acted out.


Photo by Matei Savulescu

Eventually people make their way to a huge bonfire to boogey around the fire and encourage the sun to come back. After all, this is the longest night of the year.


Photo by Matthew Burpee

At the end, people used to gather in St. Stephen-In-The-Fields Church to eat some yummy food and drink some cider, and watch another skit played out. My favourite one was the Battle of the Oak and Holly King.


Photo by LexnGer

It's been a few years since I have gone, because I moved to North Bay (last one was 2005), so I am not sure if people still meet at the church after anymore.

Anyhoo, if you are in Toronto this December 21st, make sure to head on out to the festival. There are also lantern making workshops where you can make your lantern for the night. More info about it can be found at the Red Pepper Spectacle Arts webby.


Photo by Mr. Sharkey-san

Sláinte!

Laurel