A 23-year-old artist from Barangay San Jose, Mary Christine Garcia, has captured the spotlight as the official designer for the cover of the Giant Lantern Festival 2024 coffee table book. This prestigious event marks its 116th year, and Garcia’s work stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Kapampangan artisans.
Garcia was declared the winner of a design competition held in October by the festival’s Souvenir Program Committee. Her design, unveiled on December 2 before the GLF 2024 Executive Committee, reflects the theme, “Lanterns of San Fernando, bridging the past and the future.”
Her intricate concept features a colossal lantern surrounded by miniature human figures in various stages of its construction. The design, described by Garcia as “embodying a tradition, not just a craft,” symbolizes the collective effort and cultural legacy of the Kapampangan community.
The festival’s coffee table book, which includes the event’s rich history, challenges, and triumphs, will be available on December 14, the day of the much-anticipated festival.
Garcia’s artistic journey combined traditional hand-drawing with modern tools like Photoshop, AutoCAD, and SketchUp, culminating in a masterpiece that highlights how the Giant Lantern Festival transcends local boundaries, bringing people together from around the world in celebration of light, sound, and culture.
For the people of San Fernando, the lanterns are more than an art form—they are a beacon of unity and innovation, passed down through generations.