Procession of Light on Huntington Beach in CA

Residents of Huntington Beach and Huntington Beach North join with members of more than a dozen religious faiths to take part in an interfaith celebration during the "Procession of Light" at the Huntington Beach Pier.

The annual gathering encourages participants from a diversity of beliefs to welcome in the New Year by asking God's blessings for the world and their communities.

Intended to unify people from a broad range of cultures and faiths, the beach-side event offers song, prayer and a candle-lit procession. Participants gather at the downtown Pier Plaza.

Past events have held more than 2,000 people attending, with dozens of missionaries from California Long Beach Mission aiding with the celebration.

The yearly sunset event features prayers, an interfaith choir and music from many faiths, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Participants appreciate the feeling of unity and community the procession gives, as well as the focus the event lends to the year ahead.