The period is 1980’s to 1990’s. Fewer cars, smaller population, lesser pollution. No gadgets, no distractions, modern technology was budding. Conversations and gatherings with families and friends were deeper, stronger, and warmer. Trains served as the main transportation in going to distant places, while pedicabs, tricycles, and very few jeepneys served the locals. To those who have been charmed by this period, and for those who never had the chance, yet... welcome to Dumarao Christmas Village! Join us, as we travel back in time and be touched by the journey of Joseph and Mary and the Birth of Jesus Christ, as depicted in this Paskwa sa Dalanon and Paskwa ni JuOne, the Capiz Maragtas Christmas Village 2024.

            Entering the boundary, white parols illuminate the highway from end to end, and in between, stations depicting the journey of Mary and Joseph, from the Annunciation, to the Magi, and with the Birth of Jesus as the main feature in the town plaza. The white parols, which symbolize purity and sincerity, were made through joint efforts and cooperation by the barangay folks and local government units. Padagyaw, Dumarao’s famed culture and tradition of helping one another without expecting in return, just partaking of meals together and exchanging of stories, has always been the key to every activity’s success.

            Following the journey of Mary and Joseph, we enter the town plaza where the Belen is highlighted by the Star of Bethlehem. And to reconnect us to old Dumarao of the 80’s-90’s, the Christmas Village’s layout at the plaza is patterned from the map of Dumarao, where a bamboo version of railway tracks straddle along the plaza, undulating to the plains and rolling terrains of Dumarao, passing through stations, bridges, and crossroads.

            Christmas celebrations in the Philippines are deeply family-centric, with traditions and activities bringing loved ones together, all under one roof of the traditional Filipino house. For nine days leading up to Christmas Eve, families rise early for Simbang Gabi. In the evenings, children would sing Christmas songs in exchange for treats, coins, and other small tokens of appreciation. Christmas is incomplete without the gastronomic feast. Part of the Dumaraonon Noche Buena table are kakanins like ibos, biko, and bibingka, along with typical Christmas food like ham and queso de bola. Dishes are not merely meals but a symbol of the love and effort of each family member in preparing the holiday spread. A hearty meal shared by the family amidst laughter, stories, and warmth of togetherness.

            Dumarao’s Christmas Village is an expression of the enduring culture, radiating the spirit of Christmas with purity and sincerity, re-awakening emotions with the nostalgic charm of the 80’s, and bringing warm feelings and sense of pride to Dumaraonons.