Victorias City officially kicked off the Christmas Season with an estimated crowd of more than 10,000 during the Christmas Lights Switch-On Ceremony on November 30 at the Victorias City Public Plaza, according to a press release from the city.
“Sini nga adlaw opisyal na nga magasugod ang paskwa sa ciudad sang (today is the official start of Christmas in the city of) 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, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez expressed gratitude for the strength shown by the Victoriahanons, in a statement issued by the city government Public Information Office.
He emphasized the importance of coming together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, setting a tone of hope and camaraderie for the festive season.
Celebrity performers such as actress and singer Maymay Entrata, and Asia’s Jewel Jade Riccio, added a touch of glamor to the event with special performances.
The celebrity guests contributed to the overall jubilation and gave valuable memories to those who gathered at the Public Plaza, the press release said.
Local talents including the Victorias Elementary School Rondalla Ensemble, Victorias City Chorale, and Hangyaku-sha also performed during the event.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On Ceremony featured the new giant Christmas tree clad in dynamic colors and lights.
The whole public plaza and the city hall were also decorated with beaming 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 people, setting a promising start for the Holiday season in Victorias.
Following the switch-on ceremony, this year’s Kalamayan Festival is also slated to open on December 15.*
