The Giant Lantern Festival (locally known as Ligligan Parul) is an annual event held every December in San Fernando, Pampanga, often referred to as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. This festival showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Kapampangan lantern makers, who create intricate, massive parols (traditional Filipino lanterns) that light up the night with vibrant colors and synchronized patterns.
Held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve, the festival features a competition among various barangays (villages) in San Fernando. Each participating barangay presents a giant lantern, often measuring over 20 feet in diameter, crafted from thousands of light bulbs and intricate designs. The lanterns are synchronized to music, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of lights and patterns that captivate audiences.