An integration of festive and competitive Christmas activities, the yearly “Pasko Fiesta” events showcase colorful lightings and array of decorations in different barangays, public parks, roads and buildings. It also features a series of competitive performances showcasing the community’s creativity and talents while keeping the Christmas traditions alive.

In spite of the recent unfortunate episodes that has beset the country, Davao City will still celebrate “Pasko Fiesta” this year but with utmost simplicity, sensitivity and with more meaning, making this season a time to show our appreciation to life and an opportunity to share our blessings by giving the city’s communities many reasons to be merry and grateful.

For the whole month of December, the city is expected to pulsate with exciting sights and sounds in the malls, bazaars, food festivals and night markets that are filled with wholesome entertainment day and night.

The ceremonial lighting of the parks and the LGU complex, dubbed as “Sidlak Silaw Sa Dabaw”, will kick-off the month-long celebration. Starting at 5:00 PM, the program will start with the welcome amenities to be presented by city tourism officer Bong Aportadera and welcome performances by the Matina Central Elementary School Choir, UIC Chorale, The Housemates, Academy of Sakya, and the Magallanes Alumni Rondalla.

At 6:00 PM, the Lighting Ceremony begins with a prayer to be led by the Matina Central Elementary School Choir, followed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s “Pasko Fiesta” message to the city. Mayor Duterte will then lead the Lighting Ceremony together with Vice-Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, the deputy mayors of ten tribal groups, the Mutya ng Dabaw and her court, the Hiyas sa Kadayawan and her court, and representatives from various sectors.

As opening salvo of the celebration, a Christmas Concert will be held for free to the public with performances by the Kaliwat Theater Collective, the Housemates, and Magallanes Alumni Rondalla.

“Pasko Fiesta” will have its rounds in various districts on the following dates: December 5-Marilog; 7-Paquibato; 9-Baguio; 10-Bunawan; 11-Toril; 12-Calinan; 14-Tugbok; 15-Buhangin; 16-Agdao; 17-Talomo; 18-Poblacion B; 19-Poblacion A; 21-Children Events Finals (Peoples Park), and Parol Parade (Rizal Park to Peoples Park); 22-Youth Events Finals (Rizal Park); 23-Adult Events Finals (Rizal Park); 25-Rondalsayaw (4 PM, Rizal Park); and 28-Bulalakaw sa Kalinaw (Rizal Park) and Pasidungog.

The “Mag-Negosyo ‘Ta Day” Fair Trade, a bazaar of locally made products, will also be held at the Sanguniang Panlungsod lobby from December 7 to 23, while the Performances at the Parks will feature various local artists and groups such as the Chorale & St. Peter’s Choir (Dec. 12), Matina Central Choir & Davao Boys Choir (Dec. 13), Himig Singers (Dec. 14), SP Chorale (Dec. 15), Kalayaan Dance Troupe (Dec. 17), Maharlika (Dec. 18), Kaliwat & Madayaw (Dec. 19), SAMADHI & Popong Landero (Dec. 20), Royeca Ballet (Dec. 21), Kalumon Ensemble (Dec. 22); Kathara (Dec. 23); and Davao HipHop Community (Dec. 25).

The traditional “Simbang Gabi” or “Misa de Gallo” (Spanish phrase literally translated as “Rooster’s Mass”, owing its name to the idea that a rooster would have been among the first to witness the birth of Jesus, and thus be the one to announce it) is rechristened as “Nine Mornings” for the “Pasko Fiesta”. Traditional food and delicacies will be sold outside the cathedral starting dawn of December 16.    (ctoo/ianraygarcia)