As everyone dreams of a White Christmas, the Province of Albay is singing a different tune as it celebrates its green version of the Yuletide with its colorful month-long Karangahan sa Pasko Festival.



Now on its second year, the fest will underscore the gains it has made in disaster risk reduction, economic and educational development, tourism promotion, and environmental protection.



Opening the Christmas fest will light up the province’s solar-powered 60-foot Christmas tree made up of 3,000 pili tree seedlings to be led by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda on Nov. 25.



Karangahan is a Bicol word which refers to a higher level of joy and endearment, and is the forerunner of the award-winning Magayon Festival which marks the provincial founding day.



 The revived festivity will also showcase the province’s age-old cuisine in a foodfest which will transform the Peñaranda Park into a huge street food court featuring local iconic restaurants which have put Albay in the country’s culinary map.



 Salceda said that the food fair is in preparation for the Culinaria Albay tourism thrust which the province will launch next year.



 He added that this year’s celebration is made more meaningful with its recent Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation from the United Cities and Localities Government and the World Association of Metropolises for its disaster management programs.



 Albay is among the top 30 Deserving Initiatives out of the total of 255 nominations from 153 cities and provinces throughout the world.



 The governor noted that this is also a fitting thanksgiving for the banner year in the local tourism industry due to conventions, international guests, celebrity visits and the influx of domestic travellers.



 The annual fete will also emphasize its plastic-free, smoke-free, zero casualty advocacy and goals, its ban of firecrackers, as well as the use of recycled and earth-friendly materials in decorating government buildings.



             Karangahan also incorporates the Pastores Bikol on Dec. 12, a modern revival of a regional tradition depicting the shepherds’ jubilation on the birth of the Christ Child. It features jovial musical interpretations of the “Pastores A Belen” (Shepherds to Bethlehem) song which is based on the poem by national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.



 Organized by the People’s Broadcasting Network (PBN- DZGB) and Department of Tourism-Region V, Pastores is most evident in Albay with every town having its own rendition.



Local residents and visitors alike can observe the traditional dawn masses at the heritage Spanish-era baroque churches of Daraga, Camalig, Sto. Domingo, Guinobatan, Bacacay, Tiwi, Tabaco City, Malinao, and at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great.



 



Adding sparkle to the festivities are celebrity entertainment shows such as the ABS-CBN Caravan on Dec. 22.



 



Spicing up the 30-day fete is a series of musical concerts, sporting events, garden shows, handicraft bazaars, a lantern parade at the Bicol University, art exhibits, garde and barangay-based showcase of indigenous Christmas.



For details and updates, like Karangahan Albay Green Christmas or Culinaria Albay on Facebook.






Article and Photos contributed by the ALBAY TOURISM AND CULTURAL OFFICE.