Simbang Gabi in Pampanga is magical compared to most provinces in the Philippines, as Kapampangans celebrate the Yuletide season masses with a procession, all while holding giant lanterns that illuminate the streets of Pampanga.
Lubenas (or Lubenas ning Pasku) is a century-old Kapampangan Christmas tradition involving a nine-day lantern-led religious procession. Predominantly practiced in Pampanga and Tarlac, it serves as a spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ and is traditionally held on the eve of each Simbang Gabi (dawn Mass) from 16 to 24 December.
This tradition carries on to this day, as the recent Metro Manila Film Festival Parade of Stars showcased parols from Angeles City, bringing Lubenas ning Pasku color, culture, and Kapampangan artistry to the mainstream.
This pre-Christmas devotion is rooted in the nine-day novena, or Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo), and features a solemn procession of patron saints from participating barangays—Cutcut, Malabanias, Pampang, Pandan, Pulungbulu, Sta. Teresita, Sto. Domingo, Sto. Rosario, and San Nicolas.
In Angeles City, each barangay presents handcrafted Lubenas lanterns, illuminated crosses, and religious icons, accompanied by the traditional chant “Dios te Salve, Maria,” echoing through the city’s historic streets.
The term lubenas is a Kapampangan corruption of the Spanish word novena, referring to the nine days of prayer. Historians trace the practice back to at least the 1800s. Each participating barangay (village) organizes a land-based parade (limbun) featuring:
A lantern shaped like a cross leads the way, while 12 lanterns, arranged in rows of two symbolizing the apostles, are mounted on bamboo poles.
An andas or carroza bearing the image of the barrio’s patron saint follows the lanterns.
Meanwhile, in some towns like Magalang, fish-shaped lanterns are included to symbolize Christ and his followers. A choir or local devotees follow the image, chanting “Dios te Salve” (Hail Mary in Spanish) to a traditional melody, often accompanied by a brass band or guitarists.
This year, the town of Magalang celebrated with more than 400 handmade lanterns. The town’s revival of the tradition has been recognized with cultural heritage awards. In 2025, the festivities began on 12 December with a grand parade of lanterns from 26 barangays.
Angeles City, known for some of the most elaborate and best-attended Lubenas, culminates in the Maitinis on Christmas Eve, as lanterns from various barangays converge at the Holy Rosary Parish.
The City of San Fernando, renowned for the Giant Lantern Festival, continues to practice Lubenas through its modern “Pailaw” displays, which remain deeply rooted in the original lantern processions.
Lubenas ning Pasku will forever live in the hearts of Kapampangans, as Pampanga is widely regarded as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.