Record breaking with Chinese lanterns

On the 5th December 2009, a record number of Chinese lanterns were released in unison over Carnaval Beach in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. The release was conducted by Freedom Faithnet Global, whose campaigning and research throughout 2009 was focussed on environmental issues; the mass release of Chinese lanterns was to symbolise hope and prayer as part of the company’s annual celebrations. As the Chinese lanterns are biodegradable, the idea was certainly in compliance with the organisation’s manifesto for the previous twelve months, meaning the idea was the perfect way to round off their year.
Although a Guinness World Record official was needed to verify the exact number of lanterns lit, it was estimated around 10, 000 were released, completely smashing the previous record of 3, 682, set in Columbia in 2008.
The 7, 000 participants on Carnaval Beach worked together to create an awe inspiring sight, and a night to remember for many years to come.
If you have any stories, pictures or photographs from a large-scale release which you’d like us to add to our website, please do get in touch. We love hearing from you!