When people think of Christmas in Pampanga, their minds easily are filled with images of the Parol, or Christmas lanterns, something the superb craftsmen of San Fernando, Pampanga take pride in making.  This has made Pampanga one of the best places to experience Christmas.  This is because of their festival that has gradually become an imporant part of Filipino Christmas culture. Every year as the Christmas season app0roaches, the province of Pampanga becomes the center of a thriving industry centered on handcrafted lighted lanterns called “parols” that displays a kaleidoscope of light and color.

 

The Giant Christmas Lantern Parade

One of the grandest events during Christmas and the most famous in Pampanga is the Giant Christmas Lantern Parade. It is an annual festival held in December, the highlight of which is on the Saturday before Christmas Eve, in the City of San Fernando.  It features a competition of giant lanterns. Because of the popularity of the festival, the city has been nicknamed the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines."

Then if you want to have the best Christmas experience, you should not miss out on visiting this annual event where thousands of visitors year by year travel to Pampanga just to witness this notable event.

 

Paskuhan Village

Paskuhan Village is a theme park famous for its year-round celebration of Christmas, in line with the Filipino tradition of having the world's longest Yuletide celebration. Located in Barangay San Jose, San Fernando, Pampanga, Paskuhan Village, now renamed Hilaga Village, showcases the best Christmas-inspired Filipino arts and crafts, including demonstrations on how these products are made. A life-sized replica of the nativity scene is also featured, as well as a model Philippine village celebrating a native Christmas. There are also museums, an orchidarium, a carnival, and food stalls offering festive cuisine.

 

Fernandiños: Best Makers of Lanterns

Unbeknownst to many, lantern productions in San Fernando is a year-round affair. Normally lantern prices are at its lowest during the off-peak season, from February until October. The multihued lanterns are made of Capiz shells and other materials like plastic and wood. These are carefully handcrafted to produce world-class lanterns that are undeniably works of art.