As part of the ongoing Christmas Season festivities, the City Government of Davao has introduced new attractions to the month-long Pasko Fiesta celebration.
The Character Parade, which features popular fictional characters, began Monday night at the Rizal Park where ice cream, popcorn and cotton candy were also handed out for free.
The Dolce Chordarum Strings Quartet, on the other hand, started giving their live music performance at the People’s Park on December 3.
City Information Office Officer-in-Charge Harvey Lanticse said adding the Character Parade, the String Quartet, and the free treats— concepts initiated by City Mayor’s Office—are meant to add to the festive atmosphere of this year’s ‘Fairyland’ themed Pasko Fiesta and promote the celebration to its target audience— the children.
The new additions to the holiday festivities were formulated to ensure that the return of face-to-face Christmas celebration will be true to the essence of the season after two years of pandemic restrictions prevented the conduct of most communal merry-making activities.
“We’ve added these para lang mas matagaan pa ug color og kalingawan ang atong (just to add color and fun to our) celebration, not only for Dabawenyos but for visitors na mubisita sa (that will visit) Davao City—because Pasko Fiesta is really for everyone and that has always been the tradition here in the city,” Lanticse said.
Visitors can interact and take photos with different beloved characters at the Rizal Park every night until Christmas Day, all while availing themselves of the free ice cream, popcorn and cotton candy at 6 p.m. onwards. Hot porridge and lomi will also be free for merry-makers at the Rizal Park starting Tuesday, 5 p.m. onwards.
People can also listen to live rendition of classic Christmas songs by the Dolce Chordarum Strings at the People’s Park from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 10, 17 and 24.
Dabawenyos and visitors from neighboring regions are invited to join in the fun and merry-making for the whole duration of the Pasko Fiesta celebration. Wearing of face masks, although now only voluntary, is still highly encouraged in crowded places. CIO
