Information about San Fernando

San Fernando, Pampanga

San Fernando is a first-class city, the regional center of Central Luzon, and the capital of the province of Pampanga. It is about 2-3 hours' drive from Metro Manila. It is popularly known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" and is even hailed internationally as "Asia's Christmas Capital," being home to the Giant Lantern Festival.

Home of the Giant Parol

The parol or star lantern is probably the most popular Christmas symbol in Philippine culture. Almost every home hangs at least one during the Christmas season. The lantern, which comes in different colors and sizes, symbolizes light and hope for Filipinos and is closely associated with the town of San Fernando, the birthplace of such an ornament. 

The lanterns of San Fernando are said to date as early as the 1900s. Over the decades, the locals of San Fernando have evolved the small lantern into towering, brightly lit masterpieces that they showcase during the Giant Lantern Festival. Some lanterns use up to 5,000 light bulbs that run, dance, and twinkle into kaleidoscopic patterns to the tunes of popular Christmas songs. 

Thousands of locals and tourists visit the town during the Christmas season to witness the grandeur and intricacy of the giant lanterns, which have already been featured in numerous local and international media outlets and publications.

Business and Tourism Hub

San Fernando's main agricultural products are rice, sugar, and other agricultural products. However, given its strategic location and road networks, it is also fast-becoming an industrial hub, with manufacturing companies, commercial complexes, and real estate developments sprouting across the region. 

The local government of San Fernando is gearing up its development plans in pursuit of becoming a "preferred tourism destination in Asia" by the year 2022.

How to get there

To get to San Fernando, Pampanga, you have a few options, depending on where you're coming from. If you're coming from outside the Philippines or outside Luzon, you can fly into Clark International Airport (CRK), which is located in Pampanga. From the airport, you can take a taxi, Grab, or a shuttle service to San Fernando.

If you're coming from Manila or other nearby provinces, you can take a bus to San Fernando, Pampanga. Several bus terminals in Metro Manila have routes to Pampanga. The trip duration varies depending on traffic but typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

If you prefer to drive, you can take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) if you're coming from Metro Manila. Take the exit for San Fernando and follow the signs to the city center. Make sure to check the traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. You may also opt to rent a car in Pampanga for your convenience.

Once you arrive in San Fernando, you can easily navigate the city using local transportation options such as tricycles, jeepneys, or taxis. For hassle-free travel to San Fernando, you can book Pampanga tours with included transfers. 

 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit San Fernando, Pampanga, depends on your preferences and what activities you plan to enjoy. But, the ideal season is during the dry season from December to February. This period is considered the peak season in San Fernando and the rest of the Philippines. The weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Additionally, December is known for the Giant Lantern Festival, a popular event in San Fernando.

March to May are typically the hottest in San Fernando, with temperatures rising and occasional heat waves. Despite the heat, this period is still suitable for visiting if you don't mind warmer weather. Just make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas. 

The rainy season in San Fernando, from June to November,  brings frequent rainfall and occasional typhoons. While this may not be the best time for outdoor activities, it can still be a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind occasional showers. Just be prepared for rain and check weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities.