CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar — What began as a cheerful initiative in 2017 under then-mayor Gil Norman Termino has now fully blossomed into a beloved Christmas tradition in this eastern town — the annual Giant Lantern Festival, a friendly competition that turns the plaza into a glowing playground of color, creativity, and community spirit.
Every December, residents of participating barangays pour their imagination into crafting massive lanterns made from recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, disposable cups, and old utensils, often combined with local indigenous materials.
The result: dazzling works of art that light up the town plaza nightly and draw crowds from Can-avid and neighboring areas.
“This gives light not only to our town but also to every heart of the people of Can-avid,” said Mayor Alicia Teves during the ceremonial lighting held last December 5. She added that the festival has become “a reflection of the strong creativity, unity, and vibrant culture of our town.”
This year, 13 giant lanterns are on display — each one unique, each one handcrafted by community volunteers proud to showcase their artistry.
The local tourism office is expecting even bigger crowds this holiday season after last year’s impressive turnout of more than 10,000 visitors. To make the nightly viewing more festive, local bands will also perform throughout the Christmas month.
The competition is judged in two rounds: the first immediately after the lighting ceremony, worth 60 percent of the total score, and a second round later in the season, worth the remaining 40 percent.
Generous prizes await the winners, courtesy of Eastern Samar public officials: P200,000 from 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan for the champion; P150,000 for the first runner-up from Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales; and P100,000 for second place from Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone.
Non-winning barangays will still receive a P10,000 consolation prize from Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan.
To support the participants, the local government also allocated P280,000 in subsidies to the competing barangays — one more gesture that keeps the tradition alive and growing.
With music filling the air, lanterns glowing brightly, and communities working hand in hand, Can-avid once again proves that Christmas shines its warmest when a town celebrates as one.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
