Get ready to craft your very own parol, the iconic Filipino star lantern that lights up the holiday season with hope, blessings, and community spirit!  

The Parol, or Filipino Lantern, is the most visible symbol of the holiday season in the Philippines. It symbolizes hope, peace, joy, and light during the holiday season. 

Its glow carries a deeper meaning, too: in earlier times, a lantern hanging in a home's open window was a signal of welcome letting travelers know they'd find warmth and refuge inside.

For Filipinos  in San Francisco, the Parol represents a shared heritage and ritual that brings the Filipino community together in the South of Market.

Come make something beautiful, learn a piece of Filipino tradition, and celebrate together as a community!  See our parol workshop dates here:

• Sunday, November 8, 12-4p, SFMOMA, (151 3rd St)

• Friday, November 13, 4:00-8p, Bayanihan Community Center (1010 Mission St)

• Sunday, November 22, 1:30-5:30p, Bayanihan Community Center (1010 Mission St)

• Sunday, December 6, 12-4p, SFMOMA (151 3rd St)

Parol Workshops are donation-based to support the costs of materials - suggested donation for parol kits are $20 for adults, and $10 for youth and seniors.

 If you would like to participate, but cannot at this time make a financial contribution, please email christine@somapilipinas.org. 

This workshop is designed for all ages, so bring the whole family. We'll provide everything you need to build your own star-shaped lantern, which you can then proudly carry in SOMA Pilipinas' 24th Annual Parol Lantern Festival on December 12, 2026!