Where: San Fernando, Pampanga
When: December
Experience the vibrant Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga. This cultural celebration showcases the rich traditions and heritage of the Philippines.
The Giant Lantern Festival started in the early 1900s in the town of Bacolor. It was a simple religious activity called a 'lubenas' (a nine-day novena) before Christmas. The lanterns were small and carried on poles. It later moved to San Fernando, and as the lanterns became more elaborate and larger, a friendly competition emerged among the different barangays.
San Fernando is known as the 'Christmas Capital of the Philippines' because of this festival. The giant lanterns, or 'parul,' are intricate and kaleidoscope-like structures that can be as large as 20 feet in diameter and are illuminated by thousands of light bulbs. The festival showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of the Kapampangan people.
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