The province of Ilocos Norte is not letting their guards down and so with the Christmas revelries.

To keep up with the annual Christmas tradition without breaking health and safety protocols such as social distancing, a joyful symphony of lights at the Capitol can be watched online for viewers to enjoy at the comfort of their homes.

Starting at 6 p.m. Friday (Dec. 4), the Capitol lights show will be switched on to remind Ilocanos about the reason for the season, and to be one in prayer, for the pandemic to be over soon.

Live via the Ilocos Norte Tourism Facebook page, provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel said the joyful symphony of lights will illuminate the entire facade of the neo-classical Ilocos Norte Capitol building with a giant Christmas tree and an interactive park featuring the province of Ilocos Norte.

During the lighting ceremony to be led by Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc in front of the Capitol, only authorized persons outside residence (APOR) will be allowed to join the drive-in event but must remain inside their vehicle and follow directions from traffic enforcers and staff.

Raquel said there are also APOR pedestrians at the Capitol driveway but must follow the “path of the stars” and strictly follow physical distancing. “Minors are not allowed,” he added.

Meanwhile, another light show will be staged in front of the Paoay Church complex starting December 9. There will also be a Buy IN (Ilocos Norte) bazaar where micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will showcase their unique and quality products at the Arte de Luna gallery.

Once the localized modified enhanced community quarantine will be lifted in Laoag, the provincial tourism officer said the Buy IN bazaar will also be placed along Llanes Street starting from the Marcos Hall of Justice up to the terminal going to Cagayan.

“We will continue to hold events in support of our MSMEs and for our locals to patronize our own products,” he added.

In celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocanos, the lights show is one of the highlights of the Yuletide celebration in Ilocos Norte, which has attracted tourists and balikbayans to visit the province in previous years. (PNA)