Giant Lantern Festival
Christmas is fast approaching and I’ve been thinking to write a hub about one of my favorite things during Christmas—the stars…
And I’m not talking about Mickey and her family. Just so you know Mickey is a star that my cousin and I had named…sometimes she’s visible, sometimes not. But Mickey has done some sort of magical moments in my life, I’m sure to my cousin’s too. Sometimes I still make a wish when I find her twinkling on the dark skies but I don’t know if my cousin still does because we’ve grown up. But I don’t care. Mickey still appears anyway so I’ve got more wish. Quit laughin ;p
So much for Mickey…let’s talk about the stars that come every year before Christmas Eve, the giant lanterns of the City of San Fernando. It’s one of the festive activities I wait every year. I bet everyone in the Philippines, too. Just got lucky, we’re close to the city.
The Giant Lantern Festival or the Ligligan Parul in our dialect is held every December, usually Saturday before Christmas Eve in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga—famed as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines." The renowned Giant Lantern Festival features a competition of giant lanterns created by different towns in Pampanga.
Every lantern stands more than 20 feet high and illuminates fantastic and colorful patterns from 3,500 to 5,000 light bulbs. The vibrant colors of lights change with the rhythm of famous Christmas carols. Everything is synchronized as if every hope and every wish would come true.
The magic would not be over yet without the launching of fireworks. I don’t know how long would they finish the fireworks display but I do remember last year, I’m home already when my friend texted me they were still there having an awesome view.
Such events add more Christmas spirit. The countdown has begun. Have a merry and magical Christmas folks!
