Why is Pampanga the Christmas Capital of the Philippines?

Why is Pampanga known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines? 

1. The region created the Parol of the Star Lantern
2. They celebrate the Giant Lantern Festival 
3. The city hosts the Paskuhan Village
4. Locals are known as the best lantern makers

As early as September, Filipinos across the country will start to hear classic Christmas songs blasting in malls. You might even find some establishments hanging up their twinkling lights and Christmas trees as soon as the “ber” months come. 

But, none of this tops how the province of Pampanga kicks off the holiday season. Their decorations and festivities show you why Pampanga is the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. Their traditions and festivities have a long history behind them which shows why Christmas in this province is a must for locals and visitors to enjoy! Keep reading to learn more!

The region created the Parol of the Star Lantern

The most popular symbol of Filipino Christmas is the Parol, an ornamental lantern symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. However, many may not know that this originated in San Fernando, Pampanga hundreds of years ago.

During the time of the Spaniards, they used the term “farol” to symbolize lantern or light. The iconic Christmas decoration derived its name from its Spanish ancestor, to symbolize its light as a source of hope. 

Locals of Pampanga created the first Christmas parol. This lantern was first called the Parul Sampernandu, a name made in the local dialect Kapampangan. Now, its name can never be separated from the province of its origins. 

Even outside the Christmas season, the city of San Fernando still continues to hang these beautiful lanterns. Many lanterns are during the off-peak season from February to October. These include the Capiz shell, wooden, and plastic lanterns. They are made in multiple colors to catch the eye of many locals who visit the town. 

They celebrate the Giant Lantern Festival 

Along with the creation of the parol, the city of San Fernando also started the Giant Lantern Festival held every December. 

Locals can trace the origins of the festival to Bacolor where a simpler festival was held. However, it was in 1908 when San Fernando started to hold the “Liglligan Parul” or the Lantern competition. This was held during the traditional nine-day dawn masses in the Philippines or “Simbang Gabi.”

As the years passed, the lanterns that entered the competition continuously grew in size, while their designs became more intricate and grand. With so many lanterns being entered every year, each barrio decided to enter one big parol instead, to make it a cooperative effort among the local craftsmen and residents. 

In 1931, electricity was established in the city. This paved the way for the first Giant Lantern Festival to be held. For the first time, residents got to see their creations combined with numerous dancing lights, highlighting the intricate designs of each parol. With the limited technology available, the parols’ lights first used individual switches that they turned on and off to the beat of the music. 

Designs of the parols gradually progressed over the years. While lantern-makers once  only used traditional papel de hapon as their main material, they soon switched to colored plastic. To make the entire lantern body sturdier, they also started using steel frames combined with cardboard and foil. This was then fitted with hundreds — sometimes thousands — of light bulbs, which were wired using yards of electrical wires. 

Today, the same Giant Lantern Festival is still held from December 16 to 24. It still coincides with the Simbang Gabi tradition of Catholic Filipinos. Various communities participate in this festival by building lanterns and lamps to put on a light show. The festival continues to attract crowds. 

The city hosts the Paskuhan Village

Aside from the Grand Lantern Festival, Pampanga is home to the Paskuhan Village, also known as Hilaga. It is a Christmas-themed area, situated in the Barangay San Jose in San Fernando. 

It was first set up to be a year-round Christmas theme park. Today, it is still filled with many Christmas decorations from October to December. This tourist destination is full of the colorful decorations and the stunning giant lanterns that the Kapampangans are known for.

Visitors can visit the area’s night market, where they can stumble upon Filipino Christmas snacks like puto bumbong, bibingka, and hot chocolate. It is the perfect destination for Filipino families looking for something new to experience this holiday season!

Key Takeaway

Now that you know why Pampanga is the Christmas capital of the Philippines, you can visit the province for its many Christmas activities. There are many traditions you can take part in to fill the Christmas extravaganza. 

Aside from its Christmas festivities, Pampanga also shows that it’s one of the best provinces to live in. There are many communities for families to live in that are close to some of the best schools and facilities in the city. 

Pueblo De Oro has a 30-hectare master-planned community in Pampanga. Here, you can live conveniently and securely in Del Carmen, San Fernando, Pampanga. You can be part of the many communities who take part in its famous traditions. Contact us here today to be a step closer to experiencing the best community living in Pampanga!