It all started with a small star lantern made of a bamboo frame and paper colored with herbal tint. Now, the lanterns made at the City of San Fernando, Pampanga are larger than life.
The tradition of lantern making in the province of Pampanga started in the 1980’s by Francisco Estanislao of Sta. Lucia. He was believed to have pioneered this practice which is passed to generations and now one of the main sources of income of Fernandinos.
In the olden times, lanterns were lit as the Christmas season breezes in. Brass bands play music synchronized with each flick of the lantern’s lights. This tradition evolved to what it is today, giant lanterns 20 feet high, with thousands of dancing lights to the tune of the latest Christmas beat and thousands of spectators enjoying every minute of the show.
On December 15, 2012, join the Kapampangans as they once again turn on the colorful bulbs, play the music, present their creativity, tradition and love for Christmas through the Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul).
Happening at Robinsons Starmills, Pampanga, 10 contingents from different towns of the province will showcase their year-long work of love. Each participant will have their lantern flicker with the control of rotors, to the tune of three songs. One will be their own choice of music, the second will be the judges’ choice and the third will be music coming from a local brass band, a fitting homage to where it all started from.
Giant lanterns will line up and fill the night with lights and sounds to the sure amazement of the crowd. Bring the whole family for in this night, we will celebrate Christmas in a true Kapampangan fashion.
The Giant lanterns will be kept on display after the competition on Decenber 16-23 and December 26- January 3 at the Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, with nightly shows from 6-8pm.
To get there:
There are regular bus trips from Manila to San Fernando, Pampanga.
Bus rides will take you directly to Robinsons Starmills, Pampanga
Photos from:
Renzelle Ann Palma, Choose Philippines
http://www.traveltothephilippines.info
