One of Australia’s most famous mountain ranges is the Dandenong, which is situated in Victoria and only a short drive from the city of Melbourne. Many people from the Dandenong communities came together in Belgrave on June 23 for the annual Lantern Parade. There are many small towns scattered around these mountains. They are Belgrave, Cockatoo, Emerald, Gembrook, Kalista, Kalorama, Lilydale, Menzies Creek, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Mount Evelyn, Olinda, Sassafras, Selby, Silvan, Tecoma, The Basin, Upper Ferntree Gully, and Upwey. 
People from Belgrave and the surrounding towns wait for the parade to begin. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)In Belgrave before the parade date, workshops were held to learn how to make a lantern.
People find their positions as the local belly dancers are about to perform before the parade. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
The festival began with people lining the main street in Belgrave (Burwood Highway), which was lined with food stalls and other interesting displays. At 4 p.m., a local artist, Kelly Mack, began painting young faces, giving all the children a spectacular look for the night. The library was open for story time at 4:30 p.m. and people listened to the street radio, which provided commentary about the night’s festivities. At 5 p.m., Claire’s Violin Studio began performing on the upper footpath.
Local belly dancers wowed the audience with their glowing hip belts. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
Light rain fell as it started to turn dark. That was not stopping the performers as they embraced the weather. Crowds lined the street with umbrellas and all dressed in jackets and waterproof gear.
Clearing the air was the Hilltop Horns followed by drummers. The drums echoed into the street and the rain almost halted when the bellydancers appeared. The dancers’ gentle moves delighted the audience with a colorful display of lights that adorned their hips.
Fire dancers emerged with their brave flame dancing and tricks. And from behind the fire dancers, the show of Lanterns began.
Fire dancers performed their brave acts. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
The Belgrave Lantern Parade started with a splash of color. People with home-crafted lanterns walked glowing before onlookers who stood in awe of the wonderful displays. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
Cameras flashed as onlookers took photos of the round lanterns bobbing up and down. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
A homemade green bird glows brilliantly as it makes its way through the crowd. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
A dragonfly and a colorful pyramid march by parade watchers. (Image:via Trisha Haddock)
Rainbows, torches, and an umbrella laced with lights provided great color. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
An observatory moves along the parade route alongside glowing planets. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
Animals that come from the creek were made into lanterns. A turtle swims above the heads of everyone. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
A water rat emerges as he makes his presence known to all. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
A yabbie from the creek. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
Dr. Who’s Tardis and a Dalek surprised all as they paraded through the Main Street of Belgrave. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
Animals of the forest crept into town. A possum glows as it leads the way. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
A lyrebird struts around a lit up community house as a child holds a lantern. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
A jellyfish illuminates everyone. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
Boronia Calisthenics College displays a shiny beauty posing in yellow. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
As the parade ends, everyone puts their lanterns down to enjoy the rest of the night. Hens continue to glow after the parade. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
A lit up banner leads to an area of food and entertainment. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
Teepee’s created a place to sit. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
The night ended with people gathering around interesting teepees and to take a closer look at some creative lanterns. A performer played near an open fire as food stalls sold takeaway food. Restaurants and many traders remained open for the night. It was a wonderful event for all who came together in Belgrave for an entertaining night.
A local entertainer sings to people keeping warm by the fire with a food stall in the background. (Image: via Trisha Haddock)
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