‘Pascua na Zamboanga’ kicks off

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Zamboanga City, Dec. 4 (PIA) - - Hundreds of city government employees crowded the streets as they participated in the lantern parade held last night as opening salvo to the city’s annual Christmas festivity dubbed as “Pascua na Zamboanga” (Christmas in Zamboanga).

“The Pascua na Zamboanga is one of the most celebrated festivals and celebrations in the city that makes the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ even more meaningful,” Sheila Covarrubias, City Information Officer, said in a press statement.

photo by Joey Bautista

“Mayor Celso Lobregat lead the city government officials and employees in a lantern parade to usher the merry month of the year,” Covarrubias said.

The parade started at Ledesma Street down to Plaza Pershing where the opening program was conducted.

“Anchored on the theme, “Celebra kita el Pascua con alegria na Ciudad de Zamboanga”(let’s celebrate Christmas with fun in the City of Zamboanga), this year’s two-week Christmas festivity starts with the ceremonial switch on of the Christmas lights that adorn the façade of City Hall, the giant Christmas trees and decors at Plaza Pershing, Plaza del Pilar and Paseo del Mar,” Covarrubias said.

Part of last night’s opening activity of Pascua na Zamboanga was the magnificent fireworks display at Plaza Pershing that delighted the spectators.

Also part of the program was the presentation of Christmas carols by the city government employees (by clusters) and many other presentations that were reflective of the Yuletide season.

“Other activities during this two-week Pascua festival are the best dressed Santa Claus competition, canciones de Zamboanga, lantern competition, the best Christmas landmark competition and Christmas Food festival to name a few,”  Covarrubias enumerated.

“The opening of Pascua na Zamboanga festival comes a day after the Catholic Church celebrated the first Sunday of advent,” she said. (JPA/PIA 9)