Pampanga's Giant Lantern Festival has been a bright spot in Philippine celebrations, drawing people from all around. Celebrating its 115th year on December 16, the festival showcased the province's commitment to keeping its cultural tradition alive and vibrant.
Ten villages, including Bulaon, Calulut, Del Pilar, Dolores, San Jose, San Juan, Sta. Lucia, San Nicolas, Sto. Nino, and Telabastagan, participated in the traditional "Ligligan Parul" competition, adding a competitive yet collaborative spirit to the festivities.
Winners of This Year’s Festival
Arnel Flores, a lantern artisan from Telabastagan, emerged as a master of his craft, clinching the top spot in the "Ligligan Parul" competition for the fifth time this year. His winning masterpiece, a magnificent 20-meter diameter lantern decorated with 11,400 bulbs, depicted the Star of Bethlehem, radiating the glow that lit the night of the Child Jesus' birth. Flores' creation also carried messages of "Heart of Jesus,” "Peace,” and "Faith,” earning him a well-deserved prize of P300,000.
San Nicolas and San Juan, represented by their skilled artisans, secured the second and third places, respectively, adding to the brilliance of the evening.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
In her opening statement, San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag emphasized that these lanterns, beyond their luminous beauty, "represent a deep faith in God and optimism for a bright future."
The tradition of Christmas lanterns, or "parol," traces back to 1908 when Francisco Estanislao, a salt vendor, crafted lanterns from bamboo and coco cloth for Simbang Gabi. Evolving into the annual Giant Lantern Festival, the event pays homage to the Kapampangan craft of lantern-making.
Beyond being a mere spectacle of lights, Pampanga’s Giant Lantern Festival is not just a visual feast; it is a heartfelt celebration, embracing the intricate tapestry of Filipino culture and the profound Catholic traditions that make the Christmas season truly special.
