We are FUNtastic Philippines

THE STAR OF HOPE, Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival

The season of Christmas begins early in the Philippines. As soon as the first day of September commences, you can already hear yuletide songs being played on many radio stations. People also begin to decorate their houses with elaborate Christmas ornaments. Shopping malls display a wide array of different Christmas decorations. Colorful Christmas lights light up the streets all over. Christmas carolers, the Noche Buena (the dinner taken by the whole family on the eve of Christmas) and lanterns hanging on most of the houses. These make the Philippines the home of many Christmas traditions.

But above all these traditions, there is one thing that many people from all walks of life wait for during this yuletide season, the famous Giant Lantern Festival, also known locally as “Ligligan Parul” of San Fernando, in the province of Pampanga. It is a celebration showcasing the popular Christmas product of Pampanga – the parol, or lighted star, that symbolizes the star of Bethlehem that led the Wise men to the baby Jesus. It originated from a classic five-pointed star that resembles the star of Bethlehem. Several others made their own parol creating it with innovative designs according to their liking.

The tradition only began as a simple lantern festival held by the people of San Fernando honoring the then President of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon. The primitive lanterns were made of bamboos and were only about two feet in diameter. They were held in procession during a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas, and brought to the town church before midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This religious activity was known as “lubenas.”

Nowadays, everything has changed. A more elaborate competition is being held. Parols have evolved from simple bamboos to giant lanterns measuring up to 40 feet in diameter; from simple lighted candles to magnificent blinking lights and from star-shaped to different floral pattern designs. At the start of the year, artists begin the designing for the parol. When everything is ready, artisans start creating the parol. The best parol-makers are hired to guarantee that the best parol would be made. The work itself is very taxing. Making one would mean several hours spent just to create a magnificent work of art. Add to that the cost which can rise to several thousands of dollars. Then on December, few days before Christmas, these Giant Lanterns will be displayed before a large crowd, lighting up the dark night, all vying to emerge as the best among the best parols. And winning is not only about bagging the trophy, but more than that, it’s a matter of pride for the winning barangay and reputation for the parol-makers.

The Giant Lantern Festival is truly a remarkable tradition. But beyond the beauty of the parols is the message of hope that these parols bring. Just like the hpe that the star of Bethlehem brought when the savior was born. That amid the trials and struggles that the people are experiencing, beyond the problems and difficulties, there is still hope.
That’s the Lantern of Pampanga – the star of hope.
article written by Allan D. Miranda, Highschool teacher of Colegio de San Lorenzo in Pampanga and a hobbyist photographer
photos by Nelson Gonzales
article featured in HK LIFE Newspaper for December 2013 issue

Join us at We are FUNtastic Philippines
For more photos : WAFP Christmas Album https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.378014082276825&type=1

HKLIFE News December 2013 Issue 
The Star of Hope
Written by: Allan D. Miranda 
Photos by: Nelson Gonzales