What is the meaning of Angeles City, Pampanga’s Lubenas Ning Pasku? Kuya Kim explains

The streets of Angeles City in Pampanga glowed bright as residents came together to hold their annual Lubenas Ning Pasku or Novena of Christmas.

According to Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Tuesday, the yearly tradition features colorful Christmas parols and marks the beginning of Simbang Gabi.

The annual procession and novena also serve as penance and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Bilang isang religious tradition na sinimulan noong 1830, ito po ay sinisimbolo ng malalim na pananampalataya at pagkakaisa ng mga Angeleño,” Angeles City tourism office Anneleen Sugui said.

“Ginagamit po sa paggawa ng traditional parol po sa Angeles ay kawayan po at ‘yung papel de Hapon,” she said.

Aside from the 12 Christmas lanterns that symbolize the 12 apostles, participating barangays also have cross-shaped and fish-shaped lanterns that symbolize Jesus.

The municipalities of Magalang, San Fernando, Mabalacat, and Mexico also hold the same tradition.

“Para po mapagpatuloy ‘yung religious tradition, every year po talaga siya ginagawa. Na-stop siya eh. Ngayon pa lang po ‘yan bale after pandemic,” Anneleen said.—Carby Basina/LDF, GMA Integrated News