Staged in front of the century-old and National Treasure Sta. Monica Church, Panay Christmas Village epitomizes the evolution of the municipality in three different eras, spanning three administrations and depicting three different attractions. A walk through the various areas within the villages is like walking down the memory lane and experiencing the historical significance of the village in the lives of the Pan-ayanons.
Makahilidlaw nga Paskwa sang Pan-ayanon nga Pamilya depicts a Belen made of indigenous materials as the central theme which represents every Pan-ayanon family who yearns for each other hoping that the cohesiveness of their familial bond will bring forth fulfillment to their hopes during the Christmas Season. The Pan-ayanon’s family has always been the central focus of the staging of the Christmas Village considered the foundation of the Municipality of Panay. To capture the essence of this attraction, Christmas message is expressed in Hiligaynon – Malipayon nga Paskwa kag Mahamungayaon nga Bag-ong Tuig.
Maragtason nga Paskwa sang Banwa sang Panay consists of decorations set with the historic Sta. Monica Church serving as the backdrop representing the colonial era in the history of Panay and the symbol of Pan-yanons quest for freedom. It represents the unified efforts to ward off invaders when they hear the tolling of the biggest Catholic bell in Asia warning them of incoming raiders. The various decorations and lighting materials symbolizes the acquired faith through evangelization, the value of enlightenment through education and the communal belief in the values of unity and perseverance. Various photo booths were set up in this area giving people the opportunity to capture beautiful memories and historic experience that visitors will treasure or publish in the social media pages. Summing up the essence of the decorations is the expressed Spanish-influenced greetings – Feliz na Vidad.
Malipayon nga Paskwa kag Paglaum sa Masanag nga Palaabuton depicts the modern and current-days decorations that symbolizes Pan-ayanon’s adaptation to the global Christmas traditions. Spread across is a wall featuring successful governance initiatives of the current administration which reinforces the promising future for Panay since those interventions has successfully addresses the felt- needs of the people. The theme that the decorations exudes and the essence of the concept is appropriately expressed in English – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Panay Christmas Village transcended three administrations and has become part of the history and way of life of the Pan-ayanon. It is pioneering in Capiz and has become a prominent feature and a Christmas must-see destination bringing joy, happiness and excitement to those who intentionally made efforts to visit. It is also Panay’s way of letting others experience the Pan-ayanon’s creativity, ingenuity and hospitality making Panay every Christmas season truly MAKA HILIDLAW.
