A week after the successful lighting of its iconic 100-ft Christmas tree, Araneta City keeps its celebration more solemn with the lighting of its giant Belen last Thursday, November 18, 2021.
Located at Gen. MacArthur Avenue, the City of Firsts unveiled its traditional Belen, which depicts the nativity of Jesus Christ with Mary, Joseph, and the three kings. It is a tradition observed by Araneta City since Christmas of 1991.
Rev. Father Ronnie Santos, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brgy. Socorro and Father Diogo D’Souza led the Holy Mass and blessing of the Belen. It was followed by a peaceful offering of prayers led by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Brgy. Socorro Chairman Doc Ted Santos, Araneta Group VP for Leasing Lorna Fabian, Araneta Group SVP for Operations Antonio Mardo, and Araneta Group Chief of Staff Noel Leonor.
During the solemnity of the Belen lighting, stringent social distancing measures and health protocols were enforced to secure the safety of the attendees.
This traditional Belen lighting kicks off a number of special Christmas events and activities in Araneta City under the theme “Believe in the Magic of Christmas”. Just across the Belen display is the Parolan Christmas bazaar where one can find quality and affordable Christmas decors. It is open until December 31 from 4 am to 9 pm.
Visit the Times Square Park where one can buy from a wide variety of food stalls and dine outdoors with the Giant Christmas tree on sight from 1 pm to 11 pm daily. Hunt for more food choices at the Manhattan Row from 1 pm to 11 pm daily, or spend time at the New Frontier Theater (NFT) the Second from 10 am to 9 pm for an alternative dining experience.
Get serenaded by JC Laborte at the Times Square Food Park from 5 pm to 10 pm, and by Duke at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum from 6 pm to 9 pm. For kids and kids at heart, have a chance to meet Santa Claus every Sunday, starting November 28, from 3 pm to 7 pm. And, catch the Grand Fireworks Display every Saturday from November 27 to January 1.
Believe in the magic of Christmas and experience the joy of the holidays only at the City of Firsts!
