The mayor and head of Culture, Jesús Morales, has presented the Lantern Route, an event designed for children that will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The event will conclude with the Children's Lantern Contest, celebrating the creativity of the youngest participants.
The route will begin on foot from the Sanctuary of Ntra. Sra. de la Estrella at 9:30 PM. The path will go through the streets Estrella, Nueva, José Sánchez, Juan de la Cruz Criado, Alta, Guadalquivir, Blas Infante, and Plaza de la Constitución.
At the end of the route, in the Plaza de la Constitución, a children's workshop led by «EntreMares» will be held, followed by the lantern contest.
Children aged 3 to 14 wishing to participate in the contest must register at the Municipal Historical Museum «Casa de las Cadenas» by July 21. They will receive an identification sticker to place on their lantern.
Lanterns must be made using carving and cut-out techniques, allowing light to pass through originally. The contest categories are: Traditional, Fantasy, Original, Local Theme, and Recycled or Ecological. A jury linked to the cultural field will select the winners.
“"We invite all families to participate and keep alive this beautiful summer tradition, where the imagination of our little ones illuminates the streets of Villa del Río."
