The holidays are in the air in Baguio City, as Session Road lights up with the 17th Lantern Parade of Saint Louis University (SLU).
The parade took to the streets with the theme “Illuminating Cultures: A Radiant Celebration of Global Traditions,” filling up Session Road from the Melvin Jones Grandstand along Harrison Road, and reflecting global traditions through various lantern designs.
The lanterns represent different cultures and are knitted by SLU students from competing school departments: The School of Law (SOL) represented Thailand; the School of Accountancy Management Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) represented Myanmar; the School of Medicine (SOM) represented South Korea; the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) represented India; the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) represented Australia; the School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) represented Japan; and the Basic Education School (BEdS) represented Vietnam.
The parade was also graced with performances by the SLU Marching band, filling the streets with classic Christmas melodies and flag-bearing dances. This year’s Christmas tree lighting was the main event, using bamboo materials to support the city’s commitment to sustainability and heritage.
Bamboo Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Photo from Saint Louis University – University Information Office Website
The event marks the start of a month-long celebration for the holiday season, and is a testimony to the holiday spirit of the students of Saint Louis University and the local community of Baguio City.Visit the Saint Louis University website to learn more about the lantern parade.