It has been a new tradition for most of the towns and cities of Pangasinan to transform their areas into a Christmas Village every December. This tradition is commonly known as “silew silew,” which means “lights” in the native language of the province. For this year’s celebration, the municipality of Calasiao stood out as the best among others.
Located in the heart of the province of Pangasinan is Calasiao, a first-class municipality and the second-oldest town in Pangasinan, founded in 1588 by the Dominicans. Its name was derived from the word “lasi” which means “a place of lightning.”
Inspired by Dubai’s Miracle Garden, the municipality of Calasiao opened the grandest Christmas Village in the province of Pangasinan last November 28.
Calasiao Christmas Village
The plaza and town proper are filled with instagrammable and vibrant decorations from those large heart-shaped arches covered with garlands and synthetic flowers, gigantic Christmas tree with huge decorative balls and flowers, colorful mini houses decorated with rope lights, a classic fountain that is mesmerizing, a huge and eye-catching statue of a peacock, and the traditional Filipino Christmas symbol, the “Belen.”
The Christmas village is in front of one of the oldest baroque churches in the country, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, and beside the miraculous shrine of Senior Divino Tesoro. It will just take less than an hour’s drive to go there from the nearest Camella communities, which are Camella Pangasinan, Camella Urdaneta, and Camella Crisciente.
It is a dreamy and wonderful place to visit with your family and loved ones and a must-see attraction this holiday season.
The reason behind the popular Christmas village
This magical place is made possible by the Local Government Unit (LGU) headed by Mayor Mamilyn A. Caramat. Mayor Caramat chose flowers as the primary design of the village because she believes that flowers in bloom can brighten one’s day. This project serves as a special gift to everyone and aims to attract locals and visitors from nearby towns and cities.
The launch of the Calasiao Christmas village was packed with thousands of thrilled audiences of all ages. Each and every one who attended witnessed the spectacular Christmas lighting and fireworks show. Artificial snow was also poured all over the place to resemble a winter wonderland.
What to expect in Calasiao Christmas village
Aside from the picturesque decor, famous cartoon characters such as Elsa and Olaf from Spiderman, Batman, and Transformers, and Santa Claus were also present during the opening ceremony. The bridge and streets in the vicinity are also sparkling and twinkling with different colors of Christmas lights and lanterns.
The Calasiao Christmas village also intends to uplift the puto (rice cake) industry, for it is the One Town, One Product initiative and is considered “white gold” by the residents of Calasiao, a town that was greatly affected by the pandemic. It is also a big help in the opening of the Puto Festival’s annual celebration, which is held in the first week of December.
Moreover, classic carnival games are present in the Calasiao Christmas village to entertain its visitors. Aside from carnival games, merchants spread around the area sell different kinds of products.
In terms of aesthetics, Calasiao Christmas village displays different ornaments that fit the Christmas season. Upon entering, you will see different houses with Christmas lights, a giant Christmas tree, and a vibrant town filled with decorations. What’s different with this year’s Christmas village in Pangasinan is the use of flowers as ornaments.
This Christmas village is open to everyone until Valentine’s Day of next year, February 14, 2023, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be no entrance fee at the gates, but vaccination cards will be required at the premises. There will be a vaccination booth at the entrance for those who are not yet vaccinated.
Rules and regulations inside Calasiao Christmas Village
To avoid overcrowding and the spread of COVID-19, a limit of 200 guests will be allowed to enter for 15 to 20 minutes to see the Christmas village. For kids below 12 years old, a parent or guardian must accompany them when entering the enchanted Christmas village.
Bringing food and drinks inside the plaza is prohibited in the Christmas village. However, delicious food and refreshments are readily available for the town’s visitors in case they feel hungry or thirsty after roaming around the Christmas village.
To preserve its beauty and maintain cleanliness inside the plaza, littering, smoking, and vaping are strictly prohibited. Pets are not allowed as well. Touching and moving the decors should also be avoided to prevent damage and accidents.
Christmas is indeed the best time of the year for Filipinos. This is the time when every member of a family gathers in their home to spend the day with the family. This has always been a tradition for us, Filipinos to reunite, reconnect and have fun with our loved ones during the holiday season.
Your next home in Urdaneta
For 45 years, Camella has been a household name and has already developed and built communities in the country in more than 147 cities and municipalities. A lot of memories and family gatherings took place in every subdivision which is surely cherished and treasured by all of Camella’s homeowners.
The brand continuously expands and grows across the nation to give Filipinos more top-quality houses. Camella aspires Filipino families to have a home to celebrate during special times like Christmas and be part of everyone’s living experience.
Enjoy and celebrate your holiday season in the comfort of your home in Camella Pangasinan, Camella Urdaneta, and Camella Crisciente. Invest property in a trusted real estate brand in the Philippines.
Camella offers small and large home designs that accommodate different sizes of families. It provides a community with accessibility to nearby essential establishments, places for leisure, 24/7 security and protection, a clean and friendly neighborhood, and a lush landscape and greenery. Be part of Camella and fulfill your dream home for your family.
