San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival: The History You Didn’t Know About

For over a century, the San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival, known as “Ligligan Parul,” has illuminated the heart of San Fernando, Pampanga. This radiant tradition showcases the brilliance of innovation, competition, and the enduring spirit of the community.

Inception and Origins

In the early 20th century, Christmas in the Philippines was a simple and deeply religious celebration. Initially, in San Fernando, local communities crafted lanterns from bamboo and traditional papel de hapon paper. As a result, every neighborhood vied to create the most intricate lantern for their local church, symbolizing the guiding star of the Magi to Bethlehem. Over time, this tradition evolved into a friendly competition, with each barrio striving to outshine the others. Consequently, it was through this camaraderie that the Giant Lantern Festival we now know emerged, featuring larger, more intricate lanterns.

Expanding Horizons

The festival’s fame extended well beyond San Fernando, attracting visitors from all corners. It soon earned San Fernando the prestigious title of “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”

Modernization and Recognition

In 1931, a significant shift occurred as electric bulbs replaced traditional candles, infusing the lanterns with a mesmerizing glow. Furthermore, as the festival’s prominence continued to rise, the Department of Tourism of the Philippines acknowledged its cultural and tourism significance, ultimately granting it national recognition in 2013.

A Call for An Ordinance

Amidst the spectacular Giant Lantern Festival, an essential request awaits consideration. The festival’s organizers are advocating for a dedicated local law. While the event enjoys widespread fame nationally and internationally, having an official law would bolster its significance and provide a structured roadmap for future growth.

A Festival of Unity

The Giant Lantern Festival embodies the unity and creativity of the San Fernando community. Notably, lantern makers, known as “luklukan,” dedicate countless hours to crafting their masterpieces, frequently collaborating with their neighbors. Consequently, the festival has become a source of immense pride for the people of San Fernando, uniting them in a shared goal of crafting breathtaking works of art.

The San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival transcends mere event status; it’s a profound testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring Filipino Christmas spirit. As the festival continues to expand, its history remains a beacon of inspiration and pride not only for San Fernando but for the entire Philippines.