Giant Lantern Festival 2023

The city of San Fernando, Pampanga prides itself as home to a nearly 120-year old tradition of crafting and showcasing Christmas lanterns called parul (Tagalog: parol).

Traditionally made of wood and bamboo cloth, lantern makers soon experimented with using other materials such as capiz shells and the more durable fiberglass. What once were simple lanterns grew into gigantic light structures measuring up to 20 feet in diameter! This is one of the reasons why San Fernando is dubbed the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

In this tour, you will learn more about the origins of this festival as you visit the Giant Lantern Museum. You will also get to experience designing your own parol following the traditional parts of a giant lantern. Before the tour, you will fill up with sumptuous Kapampangan dishes prepared by a renowned food historian and culinary icon. If luck permits, you might get to meet and chat with operators and technicians who could show you the workings of the giant lanterns before the exhibition starts.

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Bring your family and friends and marvel at the Giant Lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga!

Can’t join the scheduled tour on December 17? Book a private tour here at your preferred date!

Tour Highlights:

• Giant Lantern Museum
• Parol-making activity
• Atching Lillian Borromeo
• Giant Lantern Exhibition