This year’s giant Christmas tree in Carigara, Leyte stands out from previous displays as it features a 32-foot sundang (bolo), a symbol deeply rooted in the town’s culture and craftsmanship.

The sundang — the manufacture of which is one of the town’s major cottage industries — is the tree’s main ornamental feature, drawing curiosity and admiration from residents and visitors alike.

“The sundang is iconic to Carigara… and it’s ideal that this is represented in our Christmas display,” Mayor Ed Ong Jr. said in an interview Tuesday.

The giant Christmas tree has already become an online sensation, with photos and videos posted on social media attracting crowds to the plaza, eager to see the unique ornamentation up close.

Vice Mayor Jimmy Camposano lauded the inclusion of the sundang, noting that it honors Jugaban village, where the town’s blacksmithing tradition began and continues to flourish.

The production of sundang in Carigara dates back to at least 1922. For more than a century, artisans — particularly from Jugaban village — have passed down blacksmithing skills through generations.

The town has long been recognized for this craft, with travelers knowing they have reached Carigara upon seeing sundang displayed like wind chimes outside local workshops.

Leigh Castillo, the artist and designer behind this year’s giant Christmas tree, shared the deeper inspiration behind the concept.

Castillo said the sundang represents more than craftsmanship; it embodies Carigara’s identity, resilience and unity.

She described it as a tribute to the “hardworking hands of artisans,” to stories passed down by elders, and to the enduring pride of a community long known for its historic blade. (PNA)