Magic Island is being transformed into a giant stage for the lantern floating ceremony this monday.
A crew of more than one-hundred has been working here non stop since Monday to get things ready for this Memorial Day tradition
"We’ve been down here the past few days just watching them set up- its quite magnificent," says Haumea Ho.
"We are essentially creating a little city here. We have video, lighting, theres a team from Japan, stage management, artists- we have Brothers Caz performing this year," explains Michael Higgins, Site Manager.
The Lantern Floating ceremony is expected to draw in more than 40,000 people this year- the biggest crowd ever.
Possibly even bigger than the lantern festivals in Japan, where the tradition started.
"Well it’s impressive though, its big, I’ve never seen something this big," says Kazuya Ohara, a Japanese national.
But the meaning behind it, honoring our ancestors and those who have passed- remains the same.
"Every year this does it to me. It’s a real powerful event and I’m glad to be a part of it," says Higgins.
While some prefer to avoid the crowds..
"I’ll watch it from television in the comforts of my home," says Ho.
The organizers are making accommodations for those who want to see it in person.
Parking on Magic Island will be closed to the public starting 4 am on Sunday morning, but there will be free parking from the Hawaii Convention Center to Magic Island all day.
If you’d like to write a message on a lantern the lantern request tent will open at 10 a.m. on Monday.
If you’d like to float your own lantern, lanterns will be available at 1pm on a first come first serve basis.
The actual ceremony starts at 6 in the evening. And that’s when many say the busyness of the set up and of the crowds- just fades away…
"It’s very powerful, a beautiful calm here..thats the best part to me," adds Higgins.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
