Lantern Parade

photo by Therese Angeli R. Co

The Lantern Parade is the University of the Philippines' (UP) annual Christmas celebration. Originally inspired by the Filipino tradition of carrying lanterns to attend early morning Christmas masses, the parade has then developed into a university-wide cultural celebration and a platform for artistic expression and social commentary. The event features illuminated floats, musical performances, and presentations from different colleges, offices, and student organizations in UP.

History

It was in 1922 that UP students began carrying lanterns, inspired by the Misa de Gallo, which is a series of early morning Masses preceding Christmas. During the Spanish colonial period, Filipinos fashioned lanterns using materials that protected their flames from the wind while allowing light to pass through. When UP was still situated in Manila, the early parades began at the University Quadrangle along Padre Faura Street. Participants proceeded through Taft Avenue, Isaac Peral Street, and Florida Street, eventually reaching the university's Engineering building, the site of the present-day Court of Appeals. It was only in 1934 that UP President Jorge C. Bocobo formally institutionalized the tradition as an end-of-year student activity, intending to provide students with festive occasions before the academic year ended.

Due to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1941, University activities were disrupted as members of the academic community became involved in wartime efforts. When the University transferred its main campus from Manila to Diliman in 1949, participants assembled near the area known as Little Quiapo, now occupied by the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, and the procession concluded in front of the Engineering building. During this period, student organizations and fraternities began participating more actively, and the tradition of awarding prizes for outstanding lanterns also became more established.

By the 1960s, the Lantern Parade transformed into a larger spectacle where one of its notable traditions was the annual selection of a Lantern Queen. Among the personalities associated with the title were actress Boots Anson-Roa and beauty queen and humanitarian Nelia Sancho. The event also became an avenue for expressing political positions and student concerns. In 1969, amid growing political unrest preceding the declaration of Martial Law, the parade adopted a more activist character.

The parade went on hiatus in 1970 and was not revived until 1977. Its return in 1977 featured participants carrying torches as they marched around the Academic Oval. The revival also brought significant organizational changes. Instead of being managed by the University Student Council, the event was placed under a committee appointed by the UP President.

In 2008, the University marked its centennial with an especially elaborate Lantern Parade in Diliman. All seven constituent universities then represented the UP System in the celebration, which attracted thousands of spectators and extensive media coverage. One of its highlights was the College of Fine Arts' circus-themed presentation, followed by an extended fireworks display. In the succeeding years, the Lantern Parade increasingly incorporated developments in technology, globalization, and environmental awareness. Notable entries included internet-inspired smiley lanterns from the UP Open University, an Erlenmeyer flask from the College of Science, and a large robotic lantern from the College of Engineering.

In 2020, the physical parade was cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. It was replaced by Diwa ng Diliman 2020, a virtual celebration featuring a simple program and prerecorded performances. The alternative allowed the university community to maintain the tradition despite the suspension of in-person festivities. In subsequent years, the parade returned as an in-person celebration, continuing to attract members of the university community and the general public.

During the 2025 celebration, the parade adopted the theme Abé-abé/Kaisa, with abé-abé being a Kapampangan term associated with togetherness and unity. The College of Arts and Letters won first place with its carousel-inspired lantern, Abé-abé sa KALsada, which incorporated discarded cardboard and bamboo into its design. Other entries addressed corruption, environmental protection, national sovereignty, and human rights. University President Angelo Jimenez recognized the community's use of artistic expression to communicate indignation and called on its members to serve as sources of hope amid the country's challenges.

Lantern-making competition

A major component of the UP Diliman Lantern Parade is its annual lantern-making competition, in which participating colleges, academic units, administrative offices, and other university organizations create illuminated displays based on a designated theme. The entries often combine traditional lantern-making techniques with contemporary artistic approaches, incorporating recycled materials, indigenous motifs, technological elements, and references to current social issues. The competition generally recognizes two groups of winners: participating colleges and offices, excluding the College of Fine Arts (CFA). Depending on the year's competition guidelines, winning entries may receive cash incentives and other forms of recognition.

Judging criteria have included:

• Theme compliance – The relevance of the lantern's concept to the annual theme.
• Materials – The selection, creativity, and appropriate use of construction materials.
• Presentation and visual effects – The overall appearance, illumination, and execution of the entry.
• Environmental considerations – The use of sustainable, reusable, or recycled materials.

The College of Fine Arts has a distinct competitive tradition within the parade, with its students presenting elaborate lanterns and artistic interpretations that are separately recognized.

Parade route and performances

The UP Diliman celebration typically takes place around the approximately two-kilometer Academic Oval, beginning near the Oblation Plaza and proceeding through the campus's principal academic areas before culminating at the University Amphitheater behind Quezon Hall. Beyond the lantern entries themselves, participating organizations and colleges prepare performances that complement their visual presentations. These may include theatrical productions, choreographed dances, musical numbers, and cultural presentations.

Lantern parades in other constituent universities

The Lantern Parade tradition extends beyond UP Diliman. Through the UP System's Presidential Committee on Culture and the Arts (PCCA), constituent universities have organized their own Christmas celebrations, lantern-making activities, and cultural presentations. In 2023, the PCCA introduced the system-wide theme Cultural Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Lanterns, encouraging the constituent universities to highlight their respective cultural traditions through lantern-making. The initiative was part of the Kalinangan Bayan, Kalingang UP campaign, which sought to strengthen the One-UP identity while recognizing cultural diversity.

1. UP Baguio: UP Baguio incorporates its Christmas festivities into Pasiklaban, a celebration featuring musical performances, cultural presentations, and community activities. Its 2023 edition, held on December 18, carried the theme Sumabay sa Himno ng Musika, Makiisa sa Awit ng Masa. The program featured performances ranging from folk and ethnic music to contemporary pop, choral presentations, and dance productions.
2. UP Cebu: UP Cebu celebrates Pasko sa UP, which combines its Lantern Parade with other Christmas activities organized by the university community. In 2023, the celebration included a procession around the campus and Gorordo Avenue, where the four academic federations and the university administration presented their respective floats. The festivities also featured the Mr. and Ms. Kaanyag sa Pasko coronation night, organized by the University Student Council, and a Christmas fellowship for students, faculty, and staff.
3. UP Diliman: UP Diliman hosts the most established and widely recognized iteration of the university's Lantern Parade. Known as Paligsahan at Parada ng mga Parol, the celebration features a procession around the Academic Oval, accompanied by lantern-making competitions, performances, and other Christmas festivities. The 2023 edition carried the theme Panibagong Lakas, with the College of Architecture winning first place in the general lantern-making competition. The College of Science and the College of Social Work and Community Development placed second and third, respectively. The College of Fine Arts also held its own competition, while the PCCA recognized entries representing the wider UP System.
4. UP Los Baños: UP Los Baños celebrates the Christmas season through Paskong UPLB. Its 2023 celebration, titled Liwanag ng Bayan: #PaskongUPLB2023, featured a week-long program of musical performances, community gatherings, and festive activities. Among the activities were Local Vocals, organized by the College of Arts and Sciences; a variety-show-inspired presentation by the College of Agriculture and Food Science; and Isang Gabi ng Himig at Indak, organized by several academic units. The festivities also included Christmas performances at Baker Hall and a Cosplay Santa Experience.
5. UP Manila: UP Manila holds its annual Lantern Parade as part of its Christmas celebration, bringing together its academic and research units. In 2023, the event carried the theme Puno ng Pag-asa, Makulay na Pasko sa UP Manila and was held on December 15. The parade began at the Oblation Plaza of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
6. UP Mindanao: UP Mindanao celebrates the Christmas season through Kasadya. Its 2023 edition carried the theme Duyog: Pagdala sa diwa sa pagpahinungod ngadto sa komunidad, which emphasized bringing the spirit of the Oblation to the community. Activities included the Parolan Competition, Christmas carol and dance competitions, and a building-decoration contest. The celebration also featured Pailaw, a ceremonial illumination of the Oblation Plaza, and a university-wide Christmas party.
7. UP Open University: In 2023, UPOU presented lanterns inspired by the theme Cultural Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Lanterns. Its entries incorporated information technology and reflected the university's advocacy for accessible and inclusive education.
8. UP Tacloban: UP Tacloban celebrates Christmas through Paskuhan ha UP, which includes a lantern parade, student performances, and competitions. The activities included Paskorus, a Christmas carol-singing competition; Paskulay, a street-dance competition; and Paskunday, which featured the presentation of the university's lanterns, floats, and Christmas decorations. The celebration's theme, Lamrag ha Kasisidman: Kadasig ha Militansya, paglaum nga matatad-an ha kada tagsa; Iskolar ng Bayan, sulong para han kamurayawan!, emphasized hope, solidarity, and the university community's commitment to social causes.
9. UP Visayas: UP Visayas incorporates its Lantern Parade into Paskua, its annual Christmas celebration. In 2023, the parade was held at the Miagao campus on December 20 under the theme Hilway nga Pagpanakayon Padulong sa Malipayon kag Mahidaiton nga Paskwa. Participating colleges presented large lanterns, handheld lanterns, and choreographed performances. The procession concluded at the UP Visayas Covered Court, where the Christmas program and community dinner were held.