Kensington Market Festival of Lights December 21, 2007

Take a glowing journey through Kensington Market’s narrow streets to ignite the longest, darkest night. Encounter surprise theatrics from rooftops and storefronts, and revel in a fiery solstice send-off at Bellevue Square Park.

Join the sensational Samba Squad and a cavalcade of costumed characters, giant puppets, stilt-walkers and fire-breathers in a luminescent lantern-lit carnival parade in Toronto's legendary Kensington Market.

Join in this beautiful hand-made cavalcade of musicians, giant puppets, stiltwalkers, firebreathers and revelers to beg for the return of the sun, and honor the many traditions of the Winter Solstice.

First created in 1987 by Ida Carnevali, this glowing journey encounters spectacular theatrics on rooftops and at intersections - including a musical Nativity scene, a Kwaanza Celebration, Hanukkah, the Sioux legend White Buffalo Calf Woman, Raven Steals the Sun, Italy's winter witch, La Befana, a Solstice story told with giant puppets and daring stilters, a giant fire-sculpture sending-off of the "old year", a Mummers' play and much more. Sing with choirs and dance to the drums of many nations.

This is a wonderful, free event for the whole family. Bring a lantern or percussion instrument if you wish. The parade processes for about one hour (5:45 - 6:45) and starts at Augusta and College. The post-parade stage continues until around 8:00pm.

Official Website: http://www.livewithculture.ca/content/view/full/3240