Zamboanga shines: Festival of lights

The festive spirit is alive and glowing in Zamboanga City, where the historic Spanish-inspired façade of City Hall lights up every night with the dazzling “Christmas on the Move” displays. Twinkling LEDs, stars symbolizing the Nativity, and colorful decorations transform the city into a luminous wonderland, a backdrop of unity and joy as Zamboanga celebrates Christmas Day.

The city’s “Festival de Navidad 2025” officially kicked off on 1 December with a grand switch-on ceremony that drew large crowds to City Hall, Plaza Pershing and Heroes Park.

Under the enchanting theme “Christmas on the Move: Land, Air and Sea of Joy,” the celebration also carries the heartfelt motto “Paz y Amor en esta Navidad” — Peace and Love this Christmas — a beautiful blend of Zamboanga’s unique Hispano-Filipino heritage and modern holiday magic.

The theme is a nod to Mayor Khymer Adan (Taing) Olaso’s past as an international boat captain before taking office in May 2025, connecting the city’s maritime pride to the seasonal festivities.

City Hall bursts into life with thousands of sparkling lights, elaborate displays, and festive stars that have cemented Zamboanga’s reputation as the Christmas capital of the region. Mayor Olaso led the grand kickoff at the City Hall grounds, where a lively Christmas Parade marched from Paseo del Mar to City Hall, culminating in the ceremonial Switch-On of Lights and a breathtaking fireworks show that set the night sky ablaze.

In his Christmas message, Mayor Olaso invited families to embrace the warmth, unity, and hope of the season. He highlighted what makes Zamboanga’s Christmas truly special: a fusion of cultures, from Spanish colonial influences in the Festival de Navidad to local traditions like vibrant night markets, Simbang Gabi Masses, and community caroling.

Zamboanga’s Yuletide spirit radiates resilience and joy, proving once again why Pascua na Zamboanga — Christmas in Zamboanga — remains a cherished tradition, lighting up hearts across Mindanao.

The Zamboanga Peninsula Media Club Inc. (ZamPen Media Club), led by chairman Engineer Jaydrick Johnson Yap, plays a key role in sharing the season’s magic. Members covered major events like the Christmas Parade, ceremonial Switch-On of Lights, and fireworks display, capturing the festive floats, marching bands, and Mayor Olaso’s joyful countdown from Paseo del Mar to City Hall.

ZamPen Media Club also documented Simbang Gabi Masses, night markets, and barangay contests, ensuring that the joy of the season reaches every corner of ZamBaSulTa — Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

 The iconic Zamboanga City Hall comes to life as the city government, led by Mayor Khymer Olaso, spearheads the opening program and switch-on ceremony for the Christmas lights and display on 1 December, ushering in the Yuletide season.

 The festive evening gathered a sea of people coming from all walks of life to witness the lighting ceremony at the City Hall grounds, signaling the start of Festival de Navidad 2025 in Zamboanga City.