KALIBO, Aklan–Sure, the Christmas holidays in Aklan will be a little bit different this December, but the provincial government of Aklan is not about to give up on the holidays just yet.
In fact, the Aklan LGU, in partnership with Aklan Culture and Arts Foundation, Inc. (ACAFI), is kicking off the time-honored yuletide traditions with a special virtual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Goding Ramos Park in Kalibo, Aklan on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.
The event will be live-streamed here.
ACAFI chairman Albert Meñez said the ceremony will be a virtual affair this year due to public health concerns. However, the Christmas tree will be lit throughout December to let families feel the warmth of Christmas despite the continuing threat of COVID-19.
Pre-pandemic, the Christmas tree was switched on by Aklan government officials in front of a huge crowd. The event also featured outdoor food markets and holiday performances.
“Canceled events and a more austere celebration notwithstanding, we will not let our annual holiday attractions be forgotten,” he added.
Color-changing lights will also festoon the trees in the Provincial Capitol area to add cheer, especially at night.
It was learned that the giant Christmas tree this year is made almost entirely from recycled materials collected after the devastation of Typhoon Ursula in the province of Aklan last December.
“We hope this affair will bring hope, radiate light, and unify us against the darkness of the pandemic,” Meñez said.
In charge of putting up the Christmas tree are the Provincial Engineering Office, ACAFI, and the Provincial General Services Department./(Boy Ryan Zabal/INews-Aklan Bureau)
