Hanging up Christmas lanterns has been one of the most cherished customs of Filipinos during Christmas.
And in the past decades, with the advent of electricity and technology, Christmas lanterns or parols have become fantastic displays of sights and sounds that dazzle locals and tourists alike.
In Luzon, for instance, the City of San Fernando, Pampanga has earned the appellation "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" due to its long-standing tradition of putting up giant lanterns during the holiday season.
In Eastern Visayas, the town of Can-avid, Eastern Samar is fast becoming a reputable rival of San Fernando City's giant Christmas displays since its own Giant Lantern Festival was instituted in 2017.
This year, sustainability and environmental protection take center stage with 13 giant lanterns that transform recyclable and indigenous materials into works of art.
Empty bottles, disposable cups, plastic utensils and native materials are crafted by residents into giant lanterns that illuminate the town plaza each night, attracting visitors even from neighboring municipalities.
“This gives light not only to our town but also to every heart of the people of Can-avid,” Mayor Alicia Teves said during the official lighting ceremony last Monday, December 8.
“This is not just an ordinary celebration. It is a reflection of the strong creativity, unity, and vibrant culture of our town.”
Tourism Officer Sebastian Pomarejos said the festival drew more than 10,000 visitors last year, a number that is projected to rise this year with the addition of nightly performances by local bands.
The competition follows a two-round judging system handled by separate panels. The first round, held immediately after the lighting ceremony, accounts for 60 percent of the total score, while the remaining 40 percent will be determined during the second round.
Generous prizes await the winners: P200,000 for the champion; P150,000 for the first runner-up; and P100,000 for the second runner-up.
Non-winning villages will each receive a P10,000 consolation prize.
The local government also provided P280,000 in subsidies to support the participating villages in creating their masterpieces.
(With report from PNA/)
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