TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – The spirit of Christmas has officially arrived in Tarlac. The provincial government kicked off the holiday season on Friday evening, November 14, 2026, with a grand Christmas Lighting Ceremony and the opening of the Provincial Cultural Christmas Village Competition at the historic Maria Cristina Park.
The event, which drew local officials and residents, was led by Governor Christian Yap, Vice Governor Lita Aquino, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including Board Members Pearl Pacada, Mico Macasaet, and Topey Delos Reyes, alongside Provincial Tourism Officer Cherrylyn Pascua, and the Governor’s wife, Melissa Yeung-Yap.
In his remarks, Governor Yap thanked attendees and the participating towns, emphasizing that the celebration goes beyond mere decoration.
“Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng dumalo sa ating pagbubukas ng ating provincial Christmas tree. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa lahat ng mga bayan na nagpadala ng kani-kanilang booth,” Yap said.
The governor also underscored the true meaning of the holiday, saying, “Ito ang panahon para magmahalan, magbigayan, at maalala ang pagsilang ng ating minamahal na Hesus. Ito ang simbolo ng ating Christmas season ay yung mahalin natin ang isa’t isa at ang mga pamilya.”
In a separate statement, Yap highlighted the significance of the Cultural Christmas Village, saying, “Kasabay na rin po ng pagbubukas natin ng Cultural Christmas Village na tampok ang makukulay at makabuluhang tradisyon at kultura ng bawat bayan sa Lalawigan ng Tarlac. Isang pagdiriwang na sumasalamin sa pagkakaisa, kultura, at diwa ng Paskong Tarlaqueño!“
The ceremony transformed Maria Cristina Park into a vibrant showcase of Tarlaqueño culture and creativity. A key feature of the evening was the unveiling of a Christmas tree designed to represent the province’s “One Tarlac” identity, featuring iconic landmarks and trademarks from various towns and city.
The highlight of the night was the formal judging of the Cultural Christmas Village Competition. Each participating municipality and city created a booth that highlighted its unique identity, culture, and artistic flair, breathing life into the colorful traditions of the Tarlaqueño Christmas.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Camiling Rondalla Ensemble and local musicians serenaded the crowd with classic Christmas carols, including the official Tarlac Province Christmas ID.
The celebration also extended to the Centro Mercato Christmas Bazaar. The governor encouraged residents to explore the grounds, saying, “Ikutin niyo po Maria Cristina Park, meron rin tayong Christmas bazaar event dun sa merkado.“
Beyond the Christmas Village, Tarlac is also known for its pride in the Belenismo sa Tarlac, the province’s celebrated belen-making tradition—and this year, residents have yet another reason to celebrate the season with the launch of the Cultural Christmas Village Competition.
As the Christmas tree lights twinkled across the park, the message was clear: Christmas is here in Tarlac, and the season of giving and unity has officially begun.
