our magical evening walk to our town plaza's Christmas Village
Santa's shoe and karetela (calesa)
the Municipal Hall and stars on a ruin
lights everywhere
and more lights
the Christmas tree
windmill
reindeers
Philippine jeepney
lights on the palms
Happy Hump Day, my amazing friends!
I mentioned in one of my previous blogs that my daughter and I had an evening walk to our town plaza's Christmas Village a few days ago, where we visited a small coffee shop after, here in San Juan La Union. I haven't discussed the details about the village, so here I am excited to share a couple of photos we took.
It was around early evening when we decided to go out. We hired a trike to take us to town. It is not very distant and is only a 5-minute ride away. Right after we got off, I immediately took my camera and got ready to snap. I actually brought my DLSR and my phone, but since it is a busy area, it was a little uneasy for me to use the DLSR, so I ended up using my phone instead, especially when taking videos, because it is more convenient.
And boy, was it a sight to behold! The first thing that caught our eye was this huge Christmas tree right in the center of the village. It was decked out with tons of sparkling lights, making it the star of the show. You could see the excitement in my eyes as I gazed at it in awe. Lol. I love Christmas lights and will always do so. I am a kid at heart when it comes to everything Christmas-related. Of course, my daughter felt the same. Although I see these lights every year, I still get that excitement every time.
The entire town was beautifully lit up. Christmas lights were strung across every corner, from the trees to the church and the municipal hall. It was like the whole town had put on its festive best, and we were walking through a twinkling wonderland. I took photos at every corner and everywhere we passed. I just couldn't get enough. What really stood out were these amazing replicas. There was a Philippine Jeepney, all lit up and festive, reminding us of our unique Filipino heritage. And then there was this replica of Holland's windmills. Seeing them all lit up against the night sky, you could almost imagine yourself in the Dutch countryside. My daughter was particularly excited about Santa's train, filled with gifts and ready to deliver them to children around the world. I also love the huge Santa Shoe and the famous Philippine Karetela.
By the way, > a "Karetela" or "Calesa" is a horse-drawn carriage that was introduced during the Spanish colonial era. It was used by Spanish officials and the wealthy for transportation, and it has become a cultural symbol of that period in Philippine history. Today, Karetelas are mostly found in tourist spots and heritage cities like Vigan and Intramuros, where they offer leisurely rides around the area, giving tourists a glimpse of the past. They are beautifully decorated, often brightly painted, and they add a touch of historical charm to the streets they travel on.
Walking through the Christmas village, you could hear the sound of laughter from families together, especially the children, and carols filling the air. It was like the whole community had come together to celebrate, creating this warm, welcoming atmosphere. My daughter and I felt like we were part of one big, happy family. I have to say that our visit to the Christmas Village was an absolute treat. It wasn't just about the lights and the decorations. It was about experiencing the joy and magic of Christmas and making some wonderful memories with my daughter.
Do you also have a Christmas village in your town or area? I would love to see them too! Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful and festive day, my friends!
Published:
December 13, 2023, 10:04 a.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines
(All texts, photos, and videos are my own and were taken by me unless stated otherwise; Please DO NOT copy.)