The City of San Fernando, Pampanga, recognized as the country’s Christmas Capital, offers the ultimate destination to celebrate the holiday season. A major highlight of its yuletide festivities is the annual Giant Lantern Festival (GLF), featuring towering, kaleidoscopic lanterns that soar 20 feet high.

𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭
This year marks the 116th edition of the GLF, locally known as “Ligligan Parul,” a dazzling display of craftsmanship. Building a giant lantern is no simple feat—it requires dedication and precision. From the tambor (drum-like inner core) to the siku-siko (angled sections), palimbun (round edges), and puntetas (decorative trimmings), every detail is carefully designed to create a stunning masterpiece.

The lanterns are powered manually by rotors, with electricity running through steel cylinders. These cylinders are turned by hand, creating a harmonious blend of lights and sounds. Constructing one lantern can take an entire year and cost up to P1 million, making it a significant endeavor that symbolizes a tradition passed down for more than a century.

Behind every glowing light is the story of the artisans—families who have kept this century-old tradition alive through skill, teamwork, and a shared love for the craft.

𝐀 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Among the lantern makers is Edmar David of Barangay San Nicolas, a third-generation lantern maker. Having apprenticed under his father, Edmar has been creating giant lanterns for nearly 23 years. His lantern was awarded the title of the most beautiful lantern for 2024, securing his village’s first championship in over two decades. The lantern, which symbolized the eternal love of Jesus, won a P300,000 cash prize and a trophy.

“This championship is dedicated to my father,” Edmar said. “When he was still making lanterns, he taught me everything I know. Now, I am returning that knowledge and we have won together.” His siblings, Edwin and Angelica, also play vital roles—Edwin is the head electrician and Angelica manages the rotors.

“We work together every year—designing, choosing colors, and ensuring everything looks perfect,” Edmar shared. “Without our father, we wouldn’t have learned this craft.”

Edmar’s father, Edwin, 78, is a second-generation lantern maker who was honored for his contributions in preserving the lantern-making tradition. Known as “Potpot,” Edwin began crafting lanterns in the 1980s and passed on his skills to his children.

“I will make sure to teach the younger generation, especially my children,” Edmar pledged. “Every year, we teach the youth in our village to keep the tradition alive.”

𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬
Byron Bondoc from Barangay Sto. Niño is another well-respected lantern maker who began his journey as an apprentice under his father. Known for his lanterns’ creative gimmicks, Byron’s entry, which depicted the infinite love of Jesus and the Holy Family, placed first runner-up, winning P200,000 and a trophy. Byron works closely with his brother Leslie, who helps with the rotors.

The Flores family, led by Arnel from Barangay Telabastagan, is also a renowned name in the industry. This year, Arnel’s lantern featured the Holy Rosary and the Philippine flag. Arnel’s son, Mark Niño, once the youngest lantern maker in San Fernando, now represents Barangay Bulaon with a lantern that highlighted the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Barangay Bulaon finished as second runner-up, receiving P100,000 and a trophy, while Barangay Telabastagan secured third runner-up with P50,000 and a trophy.

𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐨
The Giant Lantern Festival is not just a competition; it is a celebration of family unity and the survival of an age-old tradition. During the festival’s competition night on December 14, Mayor Vilma Caluag emphasized that the lantern makers and their craftsmanship are the true stars of the event, alongside the unwavering support from local barangays and the passion of the Fernandino people.

“The lantern makers, their passion, and the craftsmanship they put into these lanterns are the heart of Paskung Fernandino,” she said.

The lanterns are on display at various venues, including Robinsons Starmills Pampanga from December 14, 2024, to January 1, 2025. They will also perform at locations like City Hall on Christmas Eve, the town center in Calulut on December 26-27, and Marquee Mall in Angeles City on December 28-29.

For those unable to attend, live media coverage will be available through the Facebook pages of CLTV36, the City of San Fernando Information Office, and other local outlets.

Recently, San Fernando was recognized by CNN Travel as the only Southeast Asian destination on their list of the best places to visit for Christmas in 2024, placing fifth among global holiday hotspots such as cities in Finland, Spain, Germany, and Canada.

Indeed, Paskung Fernandino is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the most memorable Christmas celebration. (PIA Region 3-Pampanga)