On 07 December 2017, the Philippine Embassy in Rome with the Filipino community lit up Rome with parols, the Philippines' Christmas lanterns, during the lighting ceremony at the Embassy chancery. The lighting of the parols in Rome is a project that was organized by the Philippine Embassy with the support of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga and Sentro Rizal Rome Branch, in commemoration of the 70th Year Anniversary of Philippine-Italian Diplomatic Relations.
13 December 2017 ROME — The Philippine Embassy in Rome with the Filipino community started to light up Rome with parols, the Philippines' Christmas lanterns, during the lighting ceremony on December 07.
Ten handcrafted parols donated by the City of San Fernando, Pampanga can be seen from the major Roman thoroughfare of Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro. The parols were installed in front of the Philippine Embassy's chancery as part of the cultural project "Un Natale Filippino a Roma" (A Filipino Christmas in Rome).
Addressing members of the Filipino community, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo Nolasco said, "We are lighting up parols here in Rome as part of our efforts to promote Philippine culture among Italians and overseas Filipinos."
"It is appropriate that we are bringing the parols to Rome since historically, the practice of hanging decoration outside of houses for Christmas started in Italy back in the 1400s," Ambassador Nolasco added.
A Filipino choir sang Philippine Christmas carols to mark the lighting ceremony while Filipino Christmas food, such as "kakanin" were served to guests at the event.
"Aside from the parol, we are also having two Philippine Christmas traditions tonight - Philippine caroling and some of our traditional Christmas foods," said Ambassador Nolasco.
The project was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Rome with the support of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga and Sentro Rizal Rome Branch, in commemoration of the 70th Year Anniversary of Philippine-Italian Diplomatic Relations.
The parols will be lit every night until 03 January 2018. END
For more information, visit www.dfa.gov.ph, www.facebook.com/dfaphl, and @dfaphl on Twitter.
Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P. Nolasco talks about Filipino Christmas traditions during his remarks before the Filipino community at the lighting ceremony of the Philippine parols for the project Un Natale Filippino a Roma held on 07 December 2017 at the chancery of the Philippine Embassy in Rome.
Members of the Koro Filipino and Santa Marie delle Grazie sing Philippine Christmas carols to mark the lighting ceremony of the parols for the project, Un Natale Filippino a Roma held on 07 December 2017 at the chancery of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy.
