And Beyond / US / Martha's Vineyard

Illumination Night

Were you there? If not, you missed one of America's best little festivals. Held one night a year for only a few hours. Grand Illumination Night on Martha's Vineyard.

The night Cottage City, Oak Bluffs is all lit up with hanging lanterns. When rows of tightly packed, gingerbread-trimmed cottages have one more layer of fluff added to them. Porches & balconies are decorated with Chinese & Japanese lanterns. A tradition going back to1869. Originally done as a come-on for prospective home buyers.

Some cottage owners go all-out, with lanterns color themed to match their cottages. Kids paint new paper lanterns that are hung next to older, fancier ones taken down from the attic.

Tradition has it that when a cottage is sold, the lanterns go with it. So we were especially interested in seeing old, hand-me-down lights. Unfortunately, most cottagers don't have any left. And those that do, don't hang them anymore because of their fragility.

Owners sit on their porches & are part of the scene, answering questions from crowds that parade by. Live music from the tabernacle is heard throughout the area. Glow-sticks in florescent colors are sold as souvenirs. Kids wave them around, adding to the festivity.

It takes foresight in planning to be on the Vineyard for Illumination Night. It's always on a Wednesday & always in the middle of August. Though the date is not revealed until the Monday before. Short notice doesn't appear to diminish the crowds of first-timers, who join throngs of regulars. Great entertainment for the whole family. A very unique island tradition not to miss...should you be on-island. Maybe next year?