Christmas Wonderland in the 3rd Kahayag Festival

I just returned from a very short visit to my Beloved's parents somewhere in Davao del Norte. It is a visit that I truly enjoyed, not only because of the good care that was given to me by my future-in-laws, but also because of the few places that we visited during the trip.

One of those places is the town of Carmen and their Kahayag Festival.

I didn't expect to see anything grand in Carmen. But I was glad that I was wrong. Lights filled the town plaza in front of the municipal hall.

Towering Christmas trees of Carmen.

Kahayag Festival is a joint activity of the municipal government of Carmen and the private sector. Barangays of Carmen, schools and businesses in the town made their own Christmas trees, belens and lanterns. The result is a sight to behold.

It was my first time to see so many Christmas trees in one place!

I believe that Kahayag Festival is a good idea. People Carmen have something to enjoy every night at the plaza. The competition for the best Christmas decor brought out the creativity of the people and that’s another plus point.

One notable belen (Nativity scene) is this one, located in the middle of the plaza:

The three kings are present. Mama Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus are also present. Sheeps and a cow were there too. Everything seems normal until I saw an elf in Santa costume pumping water.

I didn’t know that there’s an elf when Jesus was born.

Kidding aside, the Christmas decors in Kahayag Festival looked great. Here are some Christmas “scenes” that I saw:

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Even Jose Rizal’s monument was well lighted. The national hero looks fab. :-P

We checked every Christmas tree in Kahayag Festival and the tree that got our vote is this tree:

And I think this is my best shot:

So if you are in Davao del Norte this Christmas Season, I suggest that you visit Kahayag Festival.

The giant Christmas trees and other decors are located in front of the municipal hall. It can be reached, from Davao City, by riding any Tagum-bound bus. Alight at Carmen bus terminal and the municipal hall is just a short walk away.