Giant Lantern Festival 2025 in San Fernando City: A Glimpse into One Hundred and Seventeen Years of Tradition, Culture, and Innovation

Published on December 2, 2025

San Fernando City’s much-anticipated cultural event, the Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) 2025, has officially begun. It will once again enthral both residents and tourists. This annual celebration is one of the most important and eagerly anticipated events in Pampanga, showcasing the region’s deep-rooted traditions, craftsmanship, and artistry. The festival will celebrate its 117th anniversary this year on December 13, 2025. The event continues to be a major attraction for tourists in the area and promises a demonstration of inventiveness, mastery, and creativity.

Festival’s Role in Promoting Local Culture and Tourism
The launch ceremony of the Giant Lantern Festival was held on December 1, 2025, with officials from the San Fernando City government leading the way. Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag emphasized the importance of the festival in not only preserving local traditions but also in elevating the city’s status as a tourist destination. The festival has long been a symbol of San Fernando’s rich cultural heritage, and its continued success is a testament to the city’s ability to celebrate its identity while adapting to the changing times.

Over the years, the festival has become a key contributor to the local economy, particularly in the tourism sector. Thousands of visitors from around the world come to San Fernando every year to witness the spectacular lantern displays, making it one of the most unique and significant cultural events in the Philippines. The festival is a perfect fusion of the past and the present, where long-standing traditions meet modern innovations in the art of lantern making.

Support from Local Government
The city government has expressed unwavering support for the festival, with key officials committing to ensuring that this year’s event will be as successful and impactful as ever. City Councillor Raquel “Ate Kay” Pineda, the chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism, and City Councillor Reggie “G4” David both reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the festival. Their statements echoed the growing cultural and economic impact of the Giant Lantern Festival, which continues to foster a sense of pride among the local community and attract more tourists each year.

This year, as part of the preparations, the Executive Committee for the festival announced that additional activities will be introduced to further enhance the celebration. Security measures and traffic advisories are also being planned and will be shared with the public in the days leading up to the event. These proactive steps are designed to ensure that both local residents and visitors have a smooth and safe experience while enjoying the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

The Lantern-Making Tradition and Innovation
The highlight of the Giant Lantern Festival is, without a doubt, the grand lantern competition. This year, 10 barangays (villages) from San Fernando will participate in the competition, each contributing their best lanterns to showcase the city’s world-renowned craftsmanship. These lanterns are not just simple decorations but intricate works of art that are meticulously crafted by local artisans. The competition serves as a platform for showcasing the exceptional skills of the city’s master lantern makers, many of whom have inherited this tradition from their ancestors.

The lantern-making tradition in San Fernando dates back over a century, and it has evolved over the years to incorporate innovative techniques and designs. While the essence of the craft remains deeply rooted in Kapampangan culture, modern touches have been added to the lanterns, such as the use of lights, intricate patterns, and even technological elements, creating stunning visual spectacles that are a feast for the eyes. The competition has become an exciting showcase of creativity, with each barangay attempting to outdo the others with their unique designs.

The Significance of the 117th Year
This year’s festival marks a historic milestone, with the Giant Lantern Festival celebrating its 117th year of existence. Since its inception, the festival has undergone many changes and improvements, but the core values of the event—celebrating Filipino artistry, culture, and unity—have remained intact. The festival has consistently drawn international attention, with thousands of spectators coming from different parts of the Philippines and abroad to experience the grandeur of the lanterns and the festive spirit of San Fernando.

The significance of the 117th year is not only a celebration of the festival’s rich history but also a reflection of the city’s resilience and innovation. San Fernando has successfully preserved the cultural essence of the festival while adapting to modern times, allowing the Giant Lantern Festival to thrive and grow year after year.

The Event Details and What to Expect
The festival’s grand competition will take place on December 13, 2025, at Robinsons Starmills, one of San Fernando’s major shopping centres. This location has become a popular venue for the festival, providing ample space for spectators to enjoy the lantern displays. Visitors can expect to be dazzled by the incredible craftsmanship and creativity on display, as well as the festive ambiance that fills the air.

Aside from the lantern competition, additional cultural activities, performances, and exhibitions will be held throughout the festival period. These events will offer visitors a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the festival and the traditions behind the lantern-making process. For those looking to make the most of their visit, there will also be local food stalls and markets selling traditional Kapampangan delicacies, allowing visitors to experience the local flavours that are an integral part of the region’s culture.

Conclusion
More than just a celebration, the Giant Lantern Festival honours San Fernando City’s rich cultural legacy and reflects the ingenuity, inventiveness, and tenacity of its citizens. The festival is essential to maintaining regional customs and promoting the city as a top cultural tourism destination as it develops and grows. The Giant Lantern Festival, which has a 117-year history, is still a must-see event that highlights Filipino ingenuity and Kapampangan artistry.

As San Fernando City prepares for the festival’s grand competition in December, both locals and tourists are eagerly anticipating the spectacular displays that will light up the night sky. With the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and festive atmosphere, the Giant Lantern Festival 2025 is set to be another unforgettable chapter in the long and storied history of this world-renowned event.