THE concept of converting Silay public plaza into a Christmas village started as early as before the Cinco de Noviembre Revolution (Nov. 5 1898). For the Silaynons, Christmas (the birthday of Jesus Christ, according to our religion), is not just a liturgical celebration but an opportunity for the “hacendados” and the “jornaleros” to strengthen their feudal bonding.
In the past, the area where the plaza and the Iglesia de San Diego stood were properties of the “principalia” (a sugar baron family). The friars and a handful of Spaniards in Silay were very close to the “buena familias.” The friars were fattened by the “senoras” having a squad of cooks that pampered the appetite of the servants of God. The outpouring donation for the church was beyond the expectation of the Vatican.
The 12 days of Christmas from December 25 to January 6 are made longer because the liturgical Christmas activities start on December 16 to signal the start (first day) of dawn mass (“misa de gallo” or “simbang gabi”). We also call this as “misa de aguinaldo” because after the mass the families would go back to their homes to partake of native delicacies with “salabat” (ginger tea).
The “buena familias” of Silay would also enjoy imported foodstuffs: jamon Serrano, jamon Chino, apples, grapes and chestnuts from Europe and America. They are coupled with cheese, fruitcake, and wine. On Christmas Eve, more food would be served for the meal called “noche buena.”
The “hacenderos” living in their “hacienda” houses (balay-daku) did not have the time to go back to their haciendas with their “jornaleros” after the dawn mass. They opted to stay at the plaza in front of the Church. They would light their “parol” (five-pointed star covered with colored rice paper or “papel de japon”.
In there, they would take turns in having “daigon”… a program having Christmas songs, dancing, guitar playing, and the dramatization of the scene from nativity. At the side of the plaza, there were vendors selling “bibingka,” “puto,” and “salabat.” Others have packed meal, usually “magsanaya” rice and native chicken “adobo.”
While waiting for the sun to rise, the carolers (usually the “jornaleros”) would go from house to house around the plaza owned by the “insulares” (or “burgis”) of Silay to have their “daigon,” relating in songs how Joseph and Mary tried to look for an inn to give birth to Jesus, but instead found a stable. This practice (in tagalog) is known as “panuluyan.” In Hiligaynon, it is known as “Ang Pagpanagbalay sa mga Tawo’ng Dungganon” that really fits to the “burgis” of Silay.
That could be the reason why the Christmas Village in Silay is not just for commercial or tourist attraction. It is deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of the Silaynons. The past mayors of Silay paid attention to this and this religious-social-cultural-tourism event has been sustained (or even enhanced) by the administration of Mayor Mark Golez and Vice Mayor Joedith Gallego.
As expected, we have the full support from all sectors of society most especially the Department of Education-Silay City Division and the Liga ng mga Barangay. The green plaza of Silay (Plaza Olympia Severino) will be transformed again into a Christmas Village this December 2017. There will be “Christmas Arkos” from the schools (with lanterns) and millions if rice lights will be hanging from the branches of the tree.
Around the plaza, there will be food stalls, amusement park, “regalo” kiosks, and special performances on stage on special nights sponsored by several sectors to remind the plaza goers that Christmas is alive in Silay. The Parish of San Diego will also blend its Christmas decors with the Christmas Village. It is already a Christmas tradition that pilgrims (local and foreign tourists) have their “visita pascua” in Silay every December.
This is an opportunity for the “balikbayans” and their foreign spouses to bring the entire family to Silay and experience Pinoy Christmas. Many are suggesting that the “Kaon Ta Festival” group will have one kiosk at the plaza for the visitors to buy the heritage food and delicacies of Silay. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras to document this Christmas cultural legacy with their families.
Come and spend your Christmas nights at our Christmas Village.
After all, Silay is the “seat of arts and culture in Western Visayas… now in the Hall of Fame as the Most Outstanding Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit in the Philippines.
Malipayon nga Paskwa!