Brisbane’s South Bank was filled with colour, music and community spirit as thousands of people came together for the 2026 LUMINOUS Lantern Parade.
Held on Friday, 31 July, the annual parade brought families, community organisations, cultural groups and newly arrived Queenslanders together to celebrate the many cultures and traditions that contribute to the state’s identity.
Organised by Multicultural Australia, the free event marked the beginning of Multicultural Queensland Month and featured illuminated lanterns, live performances, music and cultural displays.
As the lanterns moved through South Bank, participants proudly represented their communities while sharing their traditions with the wider public. The event created a welcoming space where people from different cultural backgrounds could connect, celebrate and feel a strong sense of belonging.
For migrant and multicultural communities, the parade represents more than a public celebration. It recognises the experiences of people who have made Queensland their home and acknowledges the important social, cultural and economic contributions they continue to make.
Queensland Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said LUMINOUS had become a powerful symbol of inclusion and community connection.
“For almost 20 years, the Luminous Lantern Parade has been a shining example of people with aspiration who have come across the seas to Queensland, integrated into our way of life, shared their culture with us, and made significant contributions to our State,” Minister Simpson said.
“It has grown from a small lantern walk in 2007 to become one of Queensland’s most loved multicultural celebrations, attracting more than 10,000 people annually.
“The Parade continues to be a highlight on Queensland’s multicultural calendar – bringing people together to welcome new Queenslanders, celebrate our shared stories, and showcase the many cultures that make up our State today.
“Bringing people together across our State is at the heart of Multicultural Queensland Month. I’m looking forward to the incredible mix of cultural events planned throughout August to unite communities, share traditions, and build connections.”
Since beginning as a small community lantern walk in 2007, LUMINOUS has grown into one of Queensland’s leading multicultural celebrations.
The parade provides established and emerging communities with an opportunity to share their identity, introduce their traditions to others and build relationships across cultural and religious backgrounds.
It also sends an important message to migrants, refugees, international students and newly arrived families that their cultures, stories and contributions are valued.
Multicultural Queensland Month will continue throughout August with events across the state celebrating cultural diversity, community participation and social connection.
For Brisbane’s multicultural communities, the glowing lanterns at South Bank reflected a shared hope for a welcoming Queensland where every person has the opportunity to belong, participate and contribute.
