Home » Philippines Travel News » 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, 2025San 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 TourismThe 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.Advertisement 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 GovernmentThe 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 s …
