LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The annual Oyangui Christmas festival in Polangui, Albay kicked off on Friday, December 1.
MAYOR Adrian Salceda (fifth from left), Vice Mayor Cherry Mella-Sampal, and local government officials cut the ribbon to kick off the annual Oyangui Christmas festival in Polangui, Albay on Friday night, December 1. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Joey Salceda)
It opened with a parade of lights that featured floats from the 44 barangays in the town, followed by the lighting of a giant Christmas tree and the entire plaza, giant “parol” (Christmas star)-making contest, pyromusical fireworks display, and reenactment of the Nativity scene.
A crowd of 1,000 attended the program at the Polangui Public Kiosk where a grand countdown for the lighting was held.
Polangui Mayor Adrian Salceda said that the celebration is a way of showing the local government’s love to the people of Polangui by showcasing Christmas culture and traditions.
"Isa itong paraan ng local government unit, kasama ang 44 barangays ng Polangui, para maiparamdam sa lahat ng Polangueños ang pagmamahal at appreciation namin sa kanila. Lalong lalo na sa tulong ni Congressman Joey Salceda mas lalo po natin nabigyan ng kulay ang pag-celebrate ng Oyangui Festival," Salceda said.
The festivity is a month-long celebration that features nightly performances from invited artists, a food plaza, and trade fairs.
Salceda said that Oyangui is red tree used as Christmas tree by the people of Polangui.
"Ang Oyangui ay isang pulang puno na ginagamit bilang Christmas tree kaya pag December ang fiesta ay tinatawag namin na Oyangui Festival," he said.
He added that the celebration was started long ago but was revived last year.
This year is more festive than last year after the local government eased restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic.