Join us for a transformative journey at
SAN FRANCISCO’S 21st ANNUAL PAROL LANTERN FESTIVAL
The Parol Lantern Festival takes place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts from 3-8 PM. We invite you to participate in the Taste of Christmas, Parol Stroll and Tala Awards, and come together in the spirit of community.
Save the Date
Saturday, December 9, 3pm-8pm
Location
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
This year's theme, "Breaking Dawn: Illuminating Mental Wellness," will shed light on the important issue of mental health within the Filipino Community. Beyond celebrating our cultural traditions, the festival aims to dispel the stigma around mental health, fostering a community that nurtures mental well-being.
The metaphor of "Breaking Dawn" serves as a powerful theme for this year’s Tala Awards as traditional Filipino Parol lanterns become beacons of hope and enlightenment, each one telling a unique journey and vision of mental wellness.
Check-in for registered and walk-in guests will begin at 2:45PM at the YBCA Main Entrance (701 Mission St).
Doors to the YBCA Forum will open at 3PM.
Schedule of events
Taste of Christmas | 3-5PM
Featuring traditional Filipino holiday dishes in the YBCA Forum
Live Music & Performances | 3-8PM
Enjoy performances from local Filipino musicians and community members
Parol Stroll | 6-8PM
A parade of community & professional organizations
Family Friendly Activities | 3-8PM
Hosted by the Children's Creativity Museum in the YBCA Lobby
Tala Awards | 6-8PM
Celebrating the decorated parols which reflect the theme.
Halo Halo Halidays | 11-4PM
A holiday cultural experience in the heart of SOMA Pilipinas. Learn More
Taste of Christmas
3-5PM | Yerba Buena Center of the Arts Forum
Enjoy a free sampling of traditional Filipino desserts and delicacies served during the Christmas season that is sure to take your tastebuds on a trip back to the Philippines. From balut to bibingka, it will be hard to decide what to partake in!
Free samples until it lasts.
Parol Showcase, Live Music & Performances
3-6 PM | Yerba Buena Center of the Arts Forum
Enjoy performances from local Filipino musicians and community members.
Parols by SHOP Farol and parols created by community organizations competing for the Tala Awards will also be on display in the YBCA Forum.
THE TALA AWARDS
7-8PM | Yerba Buena Gardens Main Stage
The TALA Awards will continue the tradition of judging parols submitted based on festival theme, craftsmanship, concept execution & creativity, and exhibition presentation.
In the spirit of giving, we will supply each group with a 36 inch parol starter pack so that the focus can be on the concept and decoration. You will need to bring your parol’s early on December 9th, 2023 for judging. If you're interested in participating, then fill out this form (insert link). Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall contingents with the most inspirational parol lantern & presentation. Participants will receive updates from our team via email about judging criteria and day of festival expectations.
We look forward to seeing your parols soon and wish you all the best!
PAROL STROLL
6- 7PM in the Yerba Buena Gardens
Join our stroll contingents across the Yerba Buena Gardens as we showcase all of our parol lanterns!
Donate
Your generous donation fuels the brilliance of the Parol Festival, supporting our mission to celebrate and share the richness of Filipino culture. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us illuminate this cultural extravaganza, ensuring its success for all to enjoy. Together, let's ignite the spirit of giving and keep the festival aglow for years to come. Your support creates magic!
DONATE HERE
Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer at the Parol Festival and immerse yourself in vibrant traditions, forge meaningful connections, and play a pivotal role in crafting unforgettable moments for everyone. Join us in weaving the threads of tradition into an experience that will leave a lasting impact. Let's create cherished memories together!
VOLUNTEER HERE
Check-in for registered and walk-in guests will begin at 2:45PM at the YBCA Main Entrance (701 Mission St).
Doors to the YBCA Forum will open at 3PM.
COVID PROTOCOL FOR PAROL LANTERN FESTIVAL:
At YBCA, we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our community, and our protocols meet or exceed local, state and federal public health requirements.
Per city guidelines, masks are strongly recommended but no longer required for visitors indoors at YBCA.
YBCA no longer requires proof of vaccinations or a negative test to enter our buildings.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that you cancel your visit to YBCA and take the time to rest and recover.