2023 Pasko Fiesta opens in Davao City

The Christmas season officially began in Davao City with the opening of month-long festivities for the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao 2023 on Tuesday night.

The start of the celebrations was marked with the Dan-ag Davao ug Pag-abli sa Pasko grand lighting ceremony at the Rizal Park.

Spearheaded by the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), Tuesday’s lighting ceremony was attended by Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Vice Mayor Atty. J Melchor Quitain Jr., foreign delegates, CTOO Officer-in-Charge Jennifer Romero, city department heads, other public officials and partners from the private sector.

After guests and spectators were treated to performances by local talent groups, Mayor Duterte led the official lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree at the Quezon Park and the various installations around City Hall.

The entire San Pedro Square lit up as thousands of red and white decorative lights illuminated the square, following this year’s theme: “Warmth of Love, Radiance of Joy.”

Vice Mayor Quitain, in his speech, said this year’s Pasko Fiesta opening ceremony has exceeded the scale and grandeur of last year’s. He said the Holiday Season, though a time for merrymaking and cheer, should also be seen as a time to reflect on the failures and triumphs of 2023.

“All the mistakes we have committed, all our shortcomings— well we will correct that for 2024 is just around the corner and God has given us another chance to redeem and better ourselves,” the vice mayor said.

Duterte, meanwhile, urged the public to embody the Christmas spirit by being more generous to one another. He encouraged all citizens, irrespective of social class, to treat one another with goodwill. The mayor said he only asks for all Dabawenyos to understand one another and come to agreement

“Mao ni ang wish nako kay tutal Pasko man, magkasinabtanay ‘tang tanan…Dilli ta magsige og pangkompetensya sa atong isa’g ka tao… Karong Pasko maghinatagay ta, masinabtanay ta (This is my wish since it is Christmas, let us be more considerate of everyone…Let us not be in constant competition with each other…The let us give and understand each other this Christmas),” said the mayor.

The Pasko Fiesta sa Davao 2023 will run until December 31. For the schedule of month-long activities, visit the Pasko Fiesta official Facebook page at: Pasko Fiesta sa Davao 2023