The City of San Fernando, Pampanga has been officially nominated for Asia's Leading Cultural City Destination 2026 at the prestigious World Travel Awards—often referred to as the "Oscars of tourism." Known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines," San Fernando is competing against renowned cultural hubs including Beijing, Delhi, Hue City, Seoul, and Kyoto. Voting closes on August 7, 2026 at midnight UK time, and every vote counts in bringing this honor home to the Philippines.
Why San Fernando Stands Out Among Asia's Cultural Giants
San Fernando is competing against some of Asia's most celebrated cultural destinations, each with its own unique heritage. Beijing boasts thousands of years of imperial history and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Forbidden City. Kyoto is revered as Japan's cultural heart, with its ancient temples, shrines, and traditional geisha districts. Seoul blends cutting-edge modernity with deep-rooted traditions, from its grand palaces to its vibrant K-culture scene. Delhi is a living museum of Mughal and British colonial history, while Hue City is Vietnam's former imperial capital, home to the UNESCO-listed Citadel and royal tombs.
But San Fernando offers something that sets it apart: a living, breathing tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues to thrive today—the Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) . This dazzling spectacle, which draws thousands of visitors each December, is a testament to the city's unique cultural identity. The tradition dates back to the 1900s, evolving from the Kapampangan practice of lubenas, lantern-led processions held during the nine-day Simbang Gabi before Christmas.
A City of Artistry and Heritage
What makes San Fernando's nomination so meaningful is the deep community involvement behind its cultural traditions. The Giant Lantern Festival is not just a tourist attraction—it is a source of livelihood and pride for thousands of local families. As City Tourism Officer Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade Pangilinan shared, "Our lantern makers employ more than a thousand families in our city." The lanterns, which can weigh up to a ton and cost as much as ₱1 million, are built by teams of local craftsmen over several months, using up to 12,000 bulbs synchronized with 15 kilometers of electric cables.
Beyond the festival, San Fernando has been actively preserving and promoting Kapampangan heritage through initiatives like the Santungan ning Kulturang Kapampangan (Sanctuary of Kapampangan Culture), a museum that features dioramas of heritage houses, World War II artifacts, modern Kapampangan art, and traditional cooking tools. The city government continues to champion cultural programs, particularly for the youth, to ensure that local traditions are preserved for future generations.
How to Cast Your Vote
Voting is open to everyone, and every vote helps raise the profile of San Fernando as a world-class cultural destination.
Step 1: Visit the Voting Page
Go to the World Travel Awards voting portal: worldtravelawards.com/vote
Step 2: Register and Verify
Create an account or log in if you already have one. You will need to verify your email address before you can cast your vote.
Step 3: Select Asia and Find San Fernando
Navigate to the Asia region, find the Asia's Leading Cultural City Destination category, and select City of San Fernando, Philippines.
Step 4: Submit Your Vote
Voting closes on August 7, 2026 at midnight UK time.
