A floating lantern festival lands at Parque Juan Carlos I for three evenings this autumn, inviting visitors to decorate a paper lantern with a wish, a memory or a message before setting it adrift on the park's north pond as the sun goes down over Madrid.
What it is
The Water Lantern Festival is an evening event built around one simple ritual: each ticket includes a kit to assemble your own lantern, markers to personalise it with a message, a memory or a wish, and a drawstring bag. The festival starts at 18:00, which leaves time to write and settle in before dusk.
Until sunset the site runs on live music, local food and drink stalls (vegan and gluten-free options included) and activities for all ages around the pond. As the light fades, guests gather by the water for a quiet moment to reflect and remember loved ones, and the collective lantern release starts at 20:30.
The lanterns are biodegradable, and the event is designed with the environment in mind.
Why it's worth attending
The format works for solo visitors, couples, families and groups alike: all ages are welcome and there are no strobe lights. Parque Juan Carlos I's north pond gives the lanterns a large, flat surface to drift across, distinct from indoor immersive experiences elsewhere in the city, and the Couples' Pack comes with a picnic blanket.
Practical info
General entry to Parque Juan Carlos I is free for everyone; only taking part in the lantern ceremony requires a Fever ticket, validated in the Fever app. Bring something warm for after sunset and wear comfortable shoes: the event is outdoors on green areas near the water, so some spots can be hard to reach with a wheelchair or stroller. Tickets are non-transferable but can be rescheduled up to 48 hours before the event.
FAQ
What is the Water Lantern Festival in Madrid?
It's an outdoor evening event at Parque Juan Carlos I where each ticket includes a kit to assemble a lantern and markers to personalise it. Guests write a message, wish or memory, then release the lantern onto the park's north pond at 20:30 alongside everyone else. The festival starts at 18:00 with live music and food stalls.
How much do tickets cost?
General entry to the park is free for everyone. To take part in the lantern ceremony you need a Fever ticket: General Admission is €26.90 per person, the Couples' Pack (2 people, with a picnic blanket) is €30.90, and the Group Pack for 4 or more people is €23.90. Fever lists prices from €20.90.
Is the Water Lantern Festival suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome and there are no strobe lights. The event takes place on green areas near the water, so some spots can be hard to reach with a wheelchair or stroller.
Can I get a refund if I can't attend?
No, refunds aren't offered under any circumstances, but ticket dates can be changed up to 48 hours before the event by contacting Fever support with the ticket ID.
Is there parking near Parque Juan Carlos I?
There's a car park near the pyramid, close to the north pond, plus several other car parks around the wider park. Public transport options include the Feria de Madrid metro station on line 8.
