CITY OF SAN FERTNANDO – Vestiges of a tradition long time gone came back recently at Megaworld Capital Town here with what is bruited as the “first ever Parade of Parols.”
With the city government, the Department of Education, and the Giant Lantern Festival, Megaworld staged the parade of “a stunning array of parols crafted by Kapampangan students, each one a true testament to their love for the culture.”
“From intricate designs to innovative twists on the classic parol, the students beautifully embodied the essence of Filipino craftsmanship.” So swooned a press release on the event.
The parade of lanterns is reminiscent of the traditional “Lubenas ning Pascu” processions once held in all parishes of Pampanga, nine days before Christmas. Hence, “lubenas,” a corruption of the word “novenas.”
At the head of the traditional lubenas processions is a big cross-shaped parol, symbolizing Jesus Christ, followed by led 12 star-shaped lanterns arranged in two rows symbolizing the 12 Apostles. The gaily lit lanterns followed thereafter with images of the parish patrons, St. Joseph, and the Virgin Mary thereafter. Religious songs and prayers are sung during the procession.
While still extant in a few areas in Pampanga, notably Magalang town and the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat, the lubenas have long disappeared from the capital city.
Old folks here think that the lubenas tradition faded as the “ligligan parul” grew in popularity through the years. A matter of pop culture cancelling out religious tradition, in effect.
Thanks to Megaworld Capital Town, the lubenas, if only in snatches, made its reappearance in the Christmas capital. Punto Lifestyle Team/Contributed photos
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