What You Can Do During The Christmas Season In Pampanga

(Photos courtesy of Giant Lantern, Angeles Buy-Sell Pampanga and Sinukuan Festival Facebook Pages)

The Christmas season in Pampanga starts as early as September. Bibingkas (rice cake), various kinds of rice cakes (like suman, puto, kutsinta and puto bungbong) and other kinds of local delicacies are already being sold on some of the major streets and barangays of the province during this time. These products are actually sold in malls, shops, vendors on the streets and public market throughout the year but sellers of various delicacies are more prevalent during this season. These delicacies are sold in almost every town of Pampanga and they have various versions according to ingredients they have in that particular town. 

Pampanga is also home to the giant lanterns festival or the Ligligan Parul in the local language which is usually held before Christmas eve. If you want to see the competition for the giant lanterns, the festivities are usually held a week or more before Christmas, on a Saturday. This year it will be held on December 19, 2020. It is on its 112th-year celebration this year. If you want to buy your own lanterns, there are also smaller lanterns sold all over the town of San Fernando, Pampanga and other parts of Pampanga. Prices vary according to the size and make of the lanterns. 

In December, starting on the 16th of the month, the Misa De Gallo held at the Catholic churches are also celebrated. Catholics believe that if you complete attending all nine (9) masses held early at 4 am, you can make a wish and your wish will come true. The celebration of the masses is held in the cathedrals and the parish churches of barrios or barangays.

Christmas shopping is also common in the town of Pampanga. Kapamapangans shop for either their Christmas goodies for the celebration of Christmas day either in the malls or the public market. Children are treated to some new clothes if the family can afford them, or a trip to an amusement park like the Sky Ranch in Pampanga. Some families treat their family members to meals in their preferred restaurants and have a feast there. Making reservations for a family feast is recommended to make sure that you get the seats you want for your celebration.

Being considered as the Christmas capital and culinary capital of the country makes the province a destination for people who want to sample various kinds of dishes. Either they are local traditional dishes to more diverse international-inspired meals. There are various food shops and restaurants that sell food for Christmas celebrations which may be inspired or are recipes from other nations. Feasting during the season is common among the locals, especially during Christmas day itself.

Other locals celebrate the festivities earlier during the Pampanga day on December 11. Pampanga day is celebrated by Kapampangans with sales and festivals as well. The Sinukuan festival is usually celebrated by young people by dancing competitions and other competitions with their colourful costumes and lively music. Most of the time, towns all over the province have their own festivities in celebration of Pampanga day held every December 11. Various kinds of food from various barangays are usually sold in designated areas by the municipal hall's grounds or provincial capitol grounds. Public markets also usually have sales during this time. Malls, on the other hand, also schedule sales within these times sometimes. 

If you are ever in Pampanga during the Christmas Season, enjoy your trip. Eat, dine, feast or enjoy the time you have around the province. The weather will not be hot but warm. And the cool breeze is felt during the mornings by the cool air, especially in the month of November to December until the coming months of January and February. 

Have a lovely day or night.