Layunan
This Kapampángan Christmas Eve pageant rooted in Mexico’s Las Posadas is celebrated in its own unique way!
LAYÚNAN • (luh-YOO-nuhn)
a traditional Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve reenacting Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth
Root Word: láyun
Tagálog (Filipino): Panunulúyan (root word: tulóy)
Layúnan
During Christmas Eve, the town of Candaba, Pampanga holds the Layunan, or the reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn in Bethlehem for Christ’s birth. The actors stop at different houses where they are turned down, and they are accompanied by a choir singing Kapampángan songs. The ritual lasts until midnight when the Misa de Aguinaldo (Midnight Mass) begins.
Reference and Photo from Robby Tantingco on Facebook
Origins and Differences from Mexico’s Las Posadas
The Layunan originated from the similar 9-day Las Posadas of Mexico. The main differences are that it is only held for one night and the songs are sung in the local language (Kapampángan) instead of Spanish.
Root Word
LÁYUN • (LAH-yoon)
(to) go ahead, proceed, come inside
Tagálog (Filipino): tulóy
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