CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — In San Fernando, Christmas doesn't just arrive. It glows. Paskung Fernandino, the city's annual holiday celebration, has once again transformed the streets into a dazzling display of light and tradition — a testament to why San Fernando holds the title of Christmas Capital of the Philippines. And this year, the parols are shining brighter than ever.
The Iconic Parols of San Fernando
The streets and major stretches like JASA are lined with handcrafted Parul San Fernando—the intricate, illuminated lanterns that have made the city famous worldwide. These aren't ordinary decorations—they're works of art, created by local master lantern makers who have dedicated their lives to the craft, including the father-son tandem of Marlon and Vince Tayag, carrying forward a tradition that has been passed down through generations . Marlon Tayag is confirmed as one of the renowned Fernandino artists whose lanterns have lit up the city in previous years, alongside fellow artisans Mark Niño Flores, Arvin Quiwa, and Rolando Quiambao, and their work represents the heart of San Fernando's lantern-making heritage—a craft that evolved from simple bamboo frames into the massive, music-synchronized spectacles that draw visitors from around the world.
A Global Showcase and Why This Matters
San Fernando's giant lanterns have also been highlighted internationally, including a special display at the Philippine Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, a moment of pride not just for the city but for the entire country . The recognition didn't stop there—in October 2026, San Fernando was named Asia's Leading Cultural City Destination at the World Travel Awards, beating out renowned cities like Beijing, Delhi, Kyoto, and Seoul, with the award citing the city's distinct heritage, its vibrant traditions, and of course, its world-famous Giant Lantern Festival . Residents and visitors are invited to be part of the celebration by sharing their parol photos with the City Information Office at [email protected], contributing to the visual story of Paskung Fernandino—a collective memory of light, community, and Kapampangan pride. San Fernando's lanterns are more than decorations—they're symbols of resilience, creativity, and community, and the tradition dates back to 1904 when the first "Ligligan Parul" was held. If you're in Pampanga this holiday season, take a drive through San Fernando, stop along JASA, look up at the parols, and remember: you're witnessing a tradition that has been shining for generations.
