The City of San Jose del Monte is sparkling with lights as it holds a glittery celebration for its 23rd cityhood anniversary punctuated by the biggest and brightest "Tanglawan Festival."

After three years of non-celebration brought about by the pandemic, the rising city’s 8th Festival 2023 boasts not only the city’s colorful culture and tradition but prides itself on the exceptional trails of the San Joseños that will be highlighted by its vibrant presentation in its upcoming activities from Sept. 1-10.

With the theme, “Tanglaw ko, Bukas Mo, Mananatiling Bulakenyo, YES TO HUC!" residents and guests will be treated to a week-long fun, gaiety, and cultural nostalgia.

As in the past years since it was launched in 2016, this year’s festival is spearheaded by the City of San Jose Del Monte mayor, Honorable Arthur Robes, and the lone district Representative, Honorable Florida “Ate Rida” Robes.

Historically, the Tanglawan Festival’s name was derived from the word “ilaw” or “light” to heighten the genuine revelry and merriment of the locals as they work hand-in-hand toward a “Highly Urbanized City."

Besides this, the Festival still holds the Guinness World Records as the “World’s Largest Lantern Parade” bestowed upon the city in 2017.

This year, it will be a star-studded festivity with a topnotch performance from Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto, “The Voice Kids Philippines” Grand Champion Lyka Gairanod, “The New Teen Queen” Jillian Ward, Kapuso star Cassy Legazpi, “Dance Kids Philippines “finalist AC Bonifacio, Hitmaker JM Bales, and actor-dancer Paul Salas. 

Also, one of the event's highlights is a fashion show featuring the impeccable collections of the Philippines fashion icon and internationally-known fashion designer Francis Libiran. Kapamilya star Robi Domingo will host the grand opening of “Tanglawan Festival.”

As to the details of the week’s scheduled activities, below is a run-down of the calendar of events.

Aug. 31 (Thursday) -  Hapagtanglawan (Trade Fair) ribbon-cutting ceremony 4 p.m. Riverpark Esplanade

Sept. 1 (Friday) - Pasiklab Sa Tanglawan Grand Opening, 4 p.m. City Sports Complex;

           Cultural Fashion Show  “Tanglawan Ng Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas" 5 p.m. City Sports Complex

Sept. 2 (Saturday) - Cultural Fashion Exhibit 10 a.m. SM San Jose del Monte Atrium

Arya! Highly-urbanized City! Arya! Arya-Aryahan Streetdance Competition 5 p.m. CSJDM Athletic & Recreational Center (Grounds)

Sept. 3 (Sunday) - Zumbarangkada HUC ... Hataw Na! 4 p.m. River Park Splanade

Sept. 4 (Monday) - Indak Parangal Kay San Jose 4pm St. Joseph The Worker Parish

Sept. 5 (Tuesday) - Gabi Ng Parangal (Gawad Parangal) Rigodon  De Honor Gala Night 5 p.m. Grand Ballroom, City Convention

Sept. 6 (Wednesday) - Investors Day 8 a.m. City Convention Center

Tanglawan Unity Walk ‘Home of United Council' ‘Ang Kabataan ang Tanglaw ng Pag-Asa' 4 p.m. parking area, Starmall SJDM

Sept. 7 (Thursday) - Lipad San Jose - Hot Air Balloon 10 a.m. Starmall SJDM

Sept. 8 (Friday) - Pithaya Kay Maria (8th Marian Exhibit) 4 p.m. Starmall SJDM

Sept. 9 (Saturday) - Rank to Highly Urbanized City (Pasasalamat Arangkada San Joseno)
Ginuman Concert, Drone Show, Pyromusical Show, 3 p.m. City Sports Complex (Open Grounds)

Car Show 5 p.m. Savano Park

Sept. 10 (Sunday) - Padyak Sikad Sa High Urbanized City 5 a.m. Starmall SJDM Citywide Loop

As the power couple, Mayor Arthur and Cong. Ate Rida, stated: “Come and join us as the City of San Jose unfolds another milestone that will surely be a part of its amazing history of the city and our people.”