LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The spirit of the yuletide season at the Pangasinan Capitol Complex is made more engaging and meaningul with the installation of vibrant sights and conduct of various traditional activities depicting the welcoming of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Leading the Christmas season activities at the Capitol, the provincial government led by Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino, III has set various activities in keeping with Christmas traditions.
Shifting from the usual Simbang Gabi which is celebrated at dawn, the provincial government of Pangasinan sponsors the anticipated Simbang Gabi ed Kapitolyo (‘Misa de Gallo’ at the Capitol) every afternoon at 5PM. The devotional nine-day series of Masses started on December 15 and ends on December 23.
After the anticipated Simbang Gabi ed Kapitolyo, the public is also enjoined to take part in the Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 at 7PM at the Capitol Plaza.
New Year’s Eve Mass or ‘Misa de Aguinaldo’ is also set at the Capitol Plaza on December 31 at 7PM.
Started during the term of former Pangasinan Governor and now 5th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr., in partnership with the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, the anticipated mass held at the Capitol Plaza has become a traditional sponsored activity of the provincial government as it is continued by the present leadership.
Adding up glitters and sights to the Christmas season set-up at the Capitol Plaza, a 48-feet tall Christmas tree garbed with colorful designs, lights and images depicting yuletide traditions was put up as early as November.
Adjacent the tall Christmas tree, a Nativity scene or belen with human-size statues that portray the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is a must-see for visitors at the Capitol Plaza.
A new attraction at the Capitol building is the 12-feet tall lantern (parol) installed at the middle of the said edifice which illuminates the Capitol Plaza at night.
Another nativity scene can also be seen at the Urduja Palace, the official residence of the Governor.
By Dexter A. See