WaterFire in front of the Memorial Park in downtown Providence, Rhode Island
WaterFire is an environmental art installation created by Barnaby Evans in Providence, Rhode Island. Since 1994 it has been presented on selected evenings during the summer months. It consists of a series of up to 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence, with accompanying music selected from an eclectic pool of classical and world music.
The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile (1 km) of urban public spaces and parks, and residents and visitors gather to stroll along the river banks. The fires are tended from sunset to past midnight by black-clad performers in boats which pass quietly before the flames.
WaterFire is an experience that surrounds viewers on all sides and impacts all five senses. The crackling flames, the fragrant scent of blazing juniper and pine, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders floating by in their torch-lit vessels, and the extraordinary music from around the world engage all of the senses and evoke unique emotions from the many thousands who come to stroll along the river walks.
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