DAILY VACATIONER: Diner en Blanc Philadelphia 2015

Diner en Blanc: "Thousands of people, dressed all in white, and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance, and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic” in a public space...."

.... in the POURING RAIN!

The 2015 Philadelphia Diner en Blanc is sure to be remembered as one of the most exciting and unpredictable gatherings since Kayli Moran and Natanya DiBona brought this Parisian tradition to our city. The evening started with a mist and heavy drizzle while thousands gathered in groups around Center City decked in their party white lugging their tables and chairs and picnic baskets along - determined to have a good time in spite of the weather. The drizzle turned into a steady rain as the participants arrived at the secret Navy Yard location, and then erupted into a full out down pour as the elegant dining began. Umbrellas and ponchos were the must-have accessory of the evening, but the added elements could do nothing to deter the 4.500 who had gathered for a lawn party with friends, acquaintances, and lots and lots of total strangers. Our favorite people to watch were those who never bothered to shield themselves from the rain and continued to sit in full fancy dress, eating their baguettes and shrimp cocktails, making casual conversation as if there was absolutely nothing unusual about sitting in a storm to dine. As the rain began to clear, the masses got up to dance, socialize, and shake off their wet clothes. The meal ended with the raising of 4,500 sparklers to the night sky letting the city know that in spite of the weather, Diner en Blanc was still there, still having the evening of their lives, and still the envy of the 30.000 people on the waiting list who hope for a chance to attend in 2016 (we know we want to be there!).

The secret 2015 Diner en Blanc location: the Philadelphia Navy Yard