More Filipinos were able to step inside the historic Malacañang grounds and enjoy a myriad of Christmas festivities for the “2024 Tara sa Palasyo.”
Deputy Social Secretary Dina Tantoco said around 3,000 people have visited the presidential palace every night since it opened its gates on Dec. 16.
This is almost double compared to the previous installment of the annual gathering, she said.
“We’re so grateful and happy to tell you that about 3,000 people visit us every night because it’s open to the public. That’s almost double from last year,” Tantoco said on Monday, the last day of the annual Christmas festivities.
From Dec. 16 to 23, the gates of the Palace opened to the public from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a series of family-friendly activities, including the traditional Simbang Gabi, a stunning Christmas display, carnival-themed rides, live music performances, and an array of Filipino delicacies.
The event also offered an opportunity for Filipinos to explore the grounds of the iconic seat of power, which has long been a symbol of political authority and history.
The annual event , introduced after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to make Malacañang more accessible to the public while fostering a celebration of Filipino culture and family values during the holiday season.
Tantoco said this year’s festivities were even “more special,” thanks to an expanded selection of carnival rides and the addition of local choirs performing for children.
“The President has always told us that this is something that he remembers that his parents used to do — to invite children and the community to Malacanang,” Tantoco said.
“So, he wants to continue that because Christmas is for family, it’s for kids. That’s why there’s carnival rides so that the children can really enjoy Christmas.”
