ASLAG PARUL AS A SIGNATURE COLLEGE FESTIVAL OF THE CITY COLLEGE OF ANGELES: PROMOTING LOCAL CULTURE AND EXCELLENCE IN EVENTS

https://ejournal-medan.uph.edu/apiemj/article/view/447

The province of Pampanga takes pride in its cultural traditions, which have been preserved despite the challenges of migration and urbanization. One of its century-old practices is lantern-making, known in Kapampangan as *parul*. The *parul* is closely associated with the Christmas season, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem and serving as a popular decoration.  

In Angeles City, the *Parul Angeles* plays a central role in the *Lubenas ning Pasku*, a socio-cultural and religious community event inspired by the nine-day novena prayer leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. The term *Lubenas ning Pasku* is derived from the Spanish words "luz" (light) and "novena" (a nine-day prayer). The tradition features nightly processions, during which the patron saint of each barangay is paraded, with the procession illuminated by beautifully crafted lanterns.