Pampanga’s lantern legacy lights up in Italy

PAMPANGA, Philippines – When Pampanga lights up its lanterns, it’s not only the spirit of the season that illuminates, but also a 100-year-old tradition. And for the first time, these lanterns have made their way to Italy bringing the light of the Filipino Christmas tradition to the other side of the world.

The Giant Lantern Festival that is being celebrated annually in the province began originally with lubenas lanterns during the Spanish colonial era, when Kapampangans used paper material...