UP Diliman Lantern Parade

After many many years, this is the first time I’ve watched the annual Lantern Parade. This tradition is held during the last day of classes for the year and also signals the Christmas break. Last year, my daughter who studies in UP Diliman was hospitalized and unable to watch her First UP Lantern Parade.

What is the UP Lantern Parade anyway?

THE LANTERN PARADE is a colorful UP tradition that has enlivened the holiday season in the University for 70 years now. The Lantern Parade was first held in 1922 but it was only 12 years later that the celebration was formally established by UP President Jorge Bocobo as what it is now: the display of colorful floats, lanterns, and costumed performances. It has since become a spectacular venue for creative expression among the different members of the UP community and a fitting way to end classes for Christmas.

Each constituent university (CU) holds its own lantern parade on the third week of December. The parades culminate in UP Diliman, where the winning lanterns from each CU are invited for inclusion in the grand festivity.

The event is participated in by students, faculty, staff, and alumni who come in droves attired in colorful costumes. Ushered in by floats that come in various shapes and sizes capturing the theme of the celebration, the Lantern Parade is truly a sight to behold for the thousands of eager spectators lining the campus sidewalks.

View more photos of the UP Lantern Parade

As you can see from the photos, the lanterns are symbolism of the political situation or academic concerns. I only saw one traditional Christmas lantern which was at the tail-end of the parade.

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