On the evening of December 6, 2022, Lezo Plaza played host to thousands of locals and tourists alike for the eighth annual “Hiwaga ng Pasko sa Lezo: Year 8” Singapore-inspired Opening of Lights and Community Fireworks Display.
On the morning of the event, which also happened to be the mayor’s birthday, the Municipal Health Office, in collaboration with the Aklan Chapter of the Philippine Red Cross, organized a bloodletting activity joined by the people from the barangays.
In the afternoon, an LGU-sponsored mass was held at Saint Isadore’s Parish Church, followed by a candlelight ceremony honoring HIV/AIDS victims, which was also organized by MHO staff in honor of World AIDS Day.
Throughout the day, different entries from barangays were shown at Hello Kitty Park and Saturnino G. Fernandez Memorial Sports and Cultural Center. In the evening, judges chose the best recycled Christmas tree and the best indigenous Christmas parol.
A brief presentation featuring music from drum and lyre marching bands preceded the switching on of the lights, and a community fireworks display followed.
Many young people danced to the band’s music as they performed along the major thoroughfares. PNP band members and local band members played a concert that went on until 2:00 in the morning.
Governor Jose Enrique M. Miraflores joined the festivities alongside local officials and staff, barangay authorities, and other dignitaries. (By Ernan T. Baldomero)