Nowadays, it can feel particularly difficult to find meaningful community. In Berwyn, the Berwyn Public Art Initiative (BPAI)’s lantern parade has become one way residents are creating community through art.
“You know, I wanted to celebrate everybody’s creativity, and it really became a way to celebrate our community and to show that we’re there for one another,” Jane Sirinek, BPAI vice-president and festival founder, said.
Sirinek said the lantern parades in her hometown of Atlanta inspired the event. She wanted to foster a similar sense of belonging and connection in Berwyn. She said organizers expected about 30 people at the inaugural 2025 parade, but estimated that 300 to 500 attended. Attendance grew again this year, with Sirinek estimating that more than 600 people attended.
The excitement over last year’s turnout led organizers to “go big this time,” Sirinek said…