A floating lantern festival lands at Parque Juan Carlos I for two evenings this September, 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
Water Lantern Festival has run in more than 50 cities worldwide, drawing over 500,000 participants since it began eight years ago, and the format stays consistent: each ticket includes a paper lantern, marker pens and a wooden LED candle for personalising it with a message before release.
The site opens with live music and food and drink stalls around the pond, giving guests time to write on their lantern, wander the park and find a spot by the water. An open-mic segment lets anyone share a story before the collective release, when thousands of lanterns are set on the water within the same short window.
Every lantern is collected afterwards. The organisers describe the lanterns as biodegradable rice paper and wood with an LED candle rather than an open flame, and the team stays on site until the venue is restored to its original state.
Why it's worth attending
The format works for solo visitors, couples, families and groups alike, since there's no set programme beyond the open-mic slot and the sunset release. 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 event is wheelchair accessible throughout.
Practical info
General entry to Parque Juan Carlos I is free for everyone; only taking part in the lantern ceremony requires a Fever ticket. Bring something warm for after sunset and wear comfortable shoes, since the event takes place outdoors near water. A picnic blanket or portable chair helps for the wait between arrival and the lantern release. 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 lantern kit with markers and an LED candle. Guests personalise their lantern with a message, wish or memory, then release it onto the park's north pond at sunset alongside thousands of other participants.
How much do tickets cost?
General entry to Parque Juan Carlos I is free for everyone. To take part in the lantern ceremony itself, tickets are required through Fever, starting from €20.90 for the Group Package (4 people), with General Admission at €23.90 per person and the Couples' Pack, which includes a picnic blanket, at €27.90.
Is the Water Lantern Festival suitable for children?
Yes, the event is open to all ages and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Families, couples and groups of friends attend together, and there's no age requirement or dress code.
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.
