THE City Government of Zamboanga kicked off Christmas 2020 with the ceremonial lighting of the City Hall Christmas lights and display Tuesday night, December 1, 2020.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar spearheaded the virtual event amid gathering restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) pandemic.

The 113-year-old City Hall is decked in colorful Christmas lights and indigenous decors and displays highlighting the theme “Pamaskong Pamilyang Pilipino.”

On the spotlight is the Estrella de Esperanza (Star of Hope), which sends a message of hope and inspiration to all Zamboangueños despite the challenges and difficulties besetting the people in these trying times.

Salazar has urged Zamboangueños to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with the family with love, hope and faith in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Este pascua ta dale el mensaje na este tiempo de pandemia, ademas mucho dificultad, tiene siempre esperanza na vida. El verdadero señales de Pascua amo cay el Dios ta nace na cada’y cual familia,” she said. (SunStar Zamboanga)