TUGUEGARAO CITY-Amid cheers from about 2,500 villagers, the “Paskong Cagayano” Christmas village was formally opened sporting a giant Christmas tree, Bethlehem, a holiday park, and other decorations at the Cagayan capitol grounds here.
The Christmas lighting was also perked up with a musical extravaganza that featured the 5th Infantry Division band and local singing groups in the province.
Ruben Telan, a villager in the city who witnessed the lighting ceremonies, described it as “an amazing Christmas display that surely catches the attention of capitol visitors, especially during nights.”
A symphony of lights marked the event prior to the actual lighting.
In leading the lighting, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba said: “The birth of Christ is a completion of a family, and that is why I always say that we are a family.”
At the same time, each provincial office was also lit with Christmas decorations aside from those adorning the Rizal Park, Provincial Library, Visitors Pavilion, district hospitals, and the Sub-Capitol were also simultaneously lit in their respective locations.
Ethnic dances and songs were then presented after the lighting rites while dance competition winners at schools also presented their outputs.
A fireworks display capped the opening festivities.
The Christmas village is open until December 31 this year.