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San Fernando’s Iconic Christmas Lanterns in the Philippines

Michael Montes06 mins

Experience the Enchanting Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando

San Fernando, the City of San Fernando in the Philippines, is renowned for its captivating Christmas traditions, especially its vibrant Giant Lantern Festival. This remarkable event attracts visitors from near and far, showcasing the cultural richness of the region through intricate lantern designs, known as parols.

A Brief History of the Giant Lantern Festival

The Giant Lantern Festival, or Ligligan Parul, commenced in 1904 and has evolved into a spectacular annual celebration. It features an impressive display of giant parols that depict the Christmas story, illuminating the night sky with a dazzling array of lights. Each lantern is typically around 20 feet tall and comprises thousands of lights, making it a must-see during the holiday season.

The Artistic Craftsmanship Behind Parols

Moreover, the artistry behind each lantern is a reflection of San Fernando’s rich culture. The parul sampernandus lanterns have gained popularity since the 1960s, transitioning from traditional designs to vibrant, colorful creations. These smaller lanterns have carved a niche in the local economy, representing the ingenuity and creativity of the craftsmen.

The Process of Creating Giant Lanterns

Creating a giant parol is a meticulous process. Craftsmen like Ernesto ‘Erning’ David Quiwa, a descendant of the first known parol-maker, lead workshops that blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. His team’s dedication and skill earned them accolades at the annual Christmas parol festival this year.

Understanding the Crafting Process

  • Selection of Materials: Craftsmen use polyvinyl plastic in various colors, which is durable and visually appealing.
  • Design and Framework: The structure begins with a honeycomb-like frame, where each bulb is meticulously placed.
  • Final Touches: The final assembly involves intricate details to ensure each parol shines brightly during the festival.

A Must-See Destination

If you’re planning to explore the vibrant culture of the Philippines, visiting San Fernando during the Christmas season is essential. The city transforms into a mesmerizing showcase of light and creativity, celebrating the spirit of Christmas unlike anywhere else.

Conclusion

Consequently, the Giant Lantern Festival not only highlights Filipino craftsmanship and artistry but also promotes community spirit and tourism. Thus, witnessing the dazzling parols and partaking in the festive atmosphere is an unforgettable experience that enriches your holiday celebrations.

San Fernando is the birthplace of the Philippines' giant Christmas lantern and home to the annual Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival). Each lantern stands about 20 feet high and features 5,000 or so lights.
San Fernando is the birthplace of the Philippines’ giant Christmas lantern and home to the annual Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival). Each lantern stands about 20 feet high and features 5,000 or so lights.
San Fernando isn't just famous for its giant lanterns. The city's smaller parul sampernandus lanterns vaulted to cottage-industry status in the 1960s when they moved away from classic designs in favor of more colorful creations inspired by everything from psychedelic kaleidoscopes to batik textiles.
San Fernando isn’t just famous for its giant lanterns. The city’s smaller parul sampernandus lanterns vaulted to cottage-industry status in the 1960s when they moved away from classic designs in favor of more colorful creations inspired by everything from psychedelic kaleidoscopes to batik textiles.
A worker configures bulbs in the honeycomb-like frame of a 16-foot parol at the workshop of the doyen of San Fernando's parols - Ernesto 'Erning' David Quiwa.
A worker configures bulbs in the honeycomb-like frame of a 16-foot parol at the workshop of the doyen of San Fernando’s parols – Ernesto ‘Erning’ David Quiwa.
Quiwa is a descendant of the first known parol-maker. His team came second this year in the annual Christmas parol festival.
Quiwa is a descendant of the first known parol-maker. His team came second this year in the annual Christmas parol festival.
Two of the smallest parols in Quiwa's workshop. Still way too big for your average Christmas tree!
Two of the smallest parols in Quiwa’s workshop. Still way too big for your average Christmas tree!
An employee in Quiwa's workshop puts the finishing touches on a small parol ordered by a school in Manila. In the background is an unfinished 'rotor,' a steel drum that serves as the light switch on a giant parol.
An employee in Quiwa’s workshop puts the finishing touches on a small parol ordered by a school in Manila. In the background is an unfinished ‘rotor,’ a steel drum that serves as the light switch on a giant parol.
A finished giant Christmas parol lights up the night sky at the annual Christmas festival in San Fernando. Polyvinyl plastic in a hodgepodge of colors usually covers a giant parol.
A finished giant Christmas parol lights up the night sky at the annual Christmas festival in San Fernando. Polyvinyl plastic in a hodgepodge of colors usually covers a giant parol.


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