On Sunday, September 22nd, Trump Rink in Central Park will be transformed into a pool of shimmering lanterns for Shinnyo-en’s Lantern Floating for Peace. The ceremony honors those who have passed away and emphasizes continuity between the past, present, and future. This year’s events, taking place the day before a United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York, celebrate peacemakers in particular.
Beginning at 1pm, the public event will feature cultural performances, ceremonial elements, and opportunities to create personalized floating lanterns to be featured in the evening’s ceremony. The day events are free and open on a first-come, first-served basis. Admittance to the closing cremony from 7pm to 8pm will be permitted by invitation only, though there should be plenty of room to watch from outside.
Established in Japan, Shinnyo-en is an international Buddhist community led by Her Holiness Shinso Ito. For more information, visit Shinnyo-en’s website.