Jungle Island, South Florida’s popular eco-adventure attraction, begins the construction and over month-long installation this week of 34 beautifully intricate lantern exhibits, including its own interpretation of an iconic Wynwood destination and a South Beach art deco scene, as part of Luminosa, Festival of Lights. In partnership with Zigong Lantern Group and China Lantern International, which is the #1 industry leader in Chinese Lantern Festivals worldwide, the park will invite visitors from around the globe to marvel at a nighttime jungle filled with giant lanterns, up lit by over 1 million LED lights and hand-crafted out of colorful silk by Chinese artisans, from October 5, 2019 to January 8, 2020.
Luminosa will take guests on a memorable journey through light across 13 of the park’s 18 acres. The journey tells a magical story of the jungle, which begins with an exploration of wildlife, birds, bloom and the beautiful Biscayne Bay. It then writes a chapter into the future through a story of transformation, rooted in adventure and infused with Miami’s new vibrant urban art identity.
“Luminosa at Jungle Island is certain to be one of the most Instagram-worthy and talked about events of the season,” says Curtis Crider, Jungle Island’s general manager. “Between the rich history behind the festival and its beautiful pageantry set within a jungle-like setting, this must-see installation will be a celebration of two cultures coming together and the rebirth of an iconic South Florida attraction.”
A few of the visual delights will include towering orchids and flowers, a demure cassowary and striking silk parrots in the Birds and Blooms exhibit; a sea of glowing jellyfish in the Biscayne Bay display; some of the world’s rarest animals down Jungle Trail; to a 114-foot long by 26-foot tall panoramic scene of Miami’s most iconic destination decked out in Chinese graffiti art in the Miami Style exhibit. All lanterns will be illuminated by environmentally-friendly LED lights and made out of water-proof and fire-resistant silk materials (over 11 miles worth!), supported by steel frames.
Elie Mimoun, Partner at ESJ Capital Partners, owners of Jungle Island, adds: “Our vision for the evolution of Jungle Island is to include regularly scheduled events and experiences that bring the spirit of the jungle to life. Luminosa reinforces this position and appeals to all audiences in search of discovery and adventure within the context of nature and wildlife.”
The Chinese Lantern Festival is believed to date back 2000 years ago to the Eastern Han Dynasty when Buddhist monks would light lanterns in the temples. Traditionally, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. The lanterns are thought to symbolize people letting go of their pasts and celebrating a new future, much like Jungle Island.
“Our joint effort with Jungle Island has influenced our design team to create something truly extraordinary,” adds Justin Corsa, executive director USA, China Lantern International. “Local Miami flair combined with eastern craftsmanship will result in one of our most creative and innovative exhibits to date.”
