Mission
The mission of Spontaneous Celebrations is to create and sustain a community cultural life that unites and empowers people for positive change through the arts; to produce seasonal celebrations in the Jamaica Plain and Roxbury neighborhoods; and to maintain a Community Cultural center for all.

History
The origins of the organization date from the first Wake Up the Earth Festival in 1979. This festival was, in part, a celebration of the defeat of the proposed I-95 extension through many Boston neighborhoods. Further collaboration by some of the artists, activists, and residents who had worked on this issue in Jamaica plain/Roxbury contributed to the creation of new community gardens and parks on some of the land left vacant by the destruction of houses for the planned highway. The festival has taken place every year since, on the first Saturday in May.
In October we sponsor the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade, a beautiful encircling of the Pond by people of all ages carrying handmade, candle-lit lanterns. At a time when the season is darkening, the community turns out to spread light and express hope.

Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on:

• The strength, enjoyment, and learning that comes from discovering and interacting with the many cultural and ethnic traditions that exist side-by-side in our neighborhoods.
• The timeless agrarian, environmental, and economic traditions of May Day and many other folk festivals.
• The belief that involving as many different groups as possible in the creation of our community center and festivals is an effective way to eradicate racism and increase communication, trust, and a shared sense of belonging.