Do you want a year-round celebration of Christmas? Head up to the City of Pampanga where it is the home of an extraordinary village that might give one of the best experiences of your lifetime.
What is Paskuhan Village?
Paskuhan Village is a theme park famous for its year-round celebration of Christmas, in line with the Filipino tradition of the world's longest Yuletide festivities.
Where it is located?
Located in Barangay San Jose, San Fernando, Pampanga, Paskuhan Village, now renamed Hilaga Village, is just 65 kilometers away from Metro Manila. It is currently managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority.
What are the features?
Before its remodeling in 2003, the Paskuhan Village showcased the best Christmas-inspired Filipino arts and crafts, including demonstrations on how these products are made. A life-sized replica of the Nativity scene was also featured, as well as a model Philippine village celebrating a native Christmas. There were also museums, an orchidarium, a carnival, and food stalls offering festive cuisine.
When it was reshaped by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority, the Paskuhan Village included in its fanfare other northern festivals, leading to it being renamed as Hilaga Village. Among the festivals now showcased are the Pista’y Dayat and Bangus Festival of the Ilocos Region, Pavvurulun and Bambanti Festivals of Cagayan Valley, and the Panagbenga and Gotad Ad Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Central Luzon also presented its famous Sinukwan, Tanduyong, Malatarlak, Hongot and Suman Festivals. Handicrafts and delicacies commemorative of Northern Luzon are expected to bring about a total experience of Northern Philippines.
What is Giant Lantern Festival?
Perhaps the most important celebration held in the Paskuhan Village is the Giant Lantern Festival. Spearheaded by the City of San Fernando itself, the festival is a showcase of some of the biggest and most colorful lanterns created in the Philippines. This event also provides the citizens of San Fernando, who are known lantern-makers, a chance to showcase their creations. It is perhaps the reason why the city has been dubbed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”
How to get there
The Paskuhan Village is accessible through the San Fernando exit of the North Luzon Expressway. The recently opened Diosdado Macapagal International Airport is the nearest airport to the area.