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Watching fireflies flicker their way through the night is an experience that almost makes time stop, and it’s hard not to feel that there might be magic in the world when you see the tiny lamps, like fairies' flashlights, bob about. Even more magical: there are species of fireflies that synchronize their pulsing so that they are all either 'on' or 'off’ at the same time. They’re called synchronous fireflies, and there are only a few species in the world that do this – including those in South Carolina.
You can see these organized insects at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC, where they’re studied, and where an annual event lets park visitors see one of nature’s most spell-binding shows. The light emissions, called ‘flashes,’ are the work of the male of the species, and while the synchronized performance continues unabated, individual fireflies take a break — like a chorus holding a long note while some people grab a quick breath. The flashing show is to catch a mate.
Thousands descend upon Congaree for the Firefly Viewing, reports Travel + Leisure, an event so popular a lottery is held to determine who gets to attend. You can enter the lottery starting Thursday; it runs March 31 through April 6. You’ll hear if you’re a winner by April 14, which should give you enough time to book your travel if you’re coming from afar. The firefly nights are May 20-22 and 27-29, and park entry those evenings will be limited to the 120 vehicles displaying a valid event pass (day-use visitors will have to leave by 4 pm) Attendees pay $20 for a parking pass, and all viewers (capped at 12) must have a valid seat. No sitting in the backseat well!
Fireflies begin flashing just after sunset and only do it for about an hour. You can also see smaller displays right before dawn. Part of the magic may be that the show is so fleeting; we value things that astonish us and then vanish.