Victorias City officially kicked off the Yuletide season with the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony Nov. 30 at the public plaza, witnessed by more than 10,000 residents and visitors.
“Sini nga adlaw opisyal na nga magasugod ang paskwa sa ciudad sang Victorias with our Christmas lights-on ceremony,” Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez declared in his message, signaling the start of the holiday season in the city.
In a year that tested the community’s resilience and unity, Benitez expressed his gratitude for the strength shown by Victoriahanons.
He emphasized the importance of coming together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, setting a tone of hope and camaraderie for the festive season.
“Ano man ang kabudlayan nga aton na-agyan sa sini nga tuig, kabay nga mangin malipayon gihapon kita sa pag-atubang sang bag-ong tuig,” the mayor stressed.
Showbiz personalities Maymay Entrata and Jade Riccio added a touch of glamour to the event with their special performances.
This year’s celebrity guests contributed to the overall jubilation and gave valuable memories to those who gathered at the plaza, the city said in a press release.
Local talents, including the Victorias Elementary School Rondalla Ensemble, Victorias City Chorale, and Hangyaku-sha also performed during the event.
The switch-on ceremony featured the new giant Christmas tree decked in dynamic colors and lights.
The whole public plaza and the City Hall were also festooned with Christmas lights.
A significant increase in economic activity was also seen during the event as kiosks, food stalls, and restaurants in the city were packed with revelers.
This sets a promising start for the Holiday season in Victorias, the city said.
Following the switch-on ceremony, this year’s Kalamayan Festival is slated to open on Dec. 15. | Victorias PIO photos
