Pototan never ceases to amaze its visitors every Yuletide season with its extravagant display of lights dubbed as “Iwag Festival of Lights”. Indeed, the whole expansive plaza of Pototan is transformed every night into a Christmas village – a truly Pinoy one with its tiangges and mouth-watering street food.

Started in 1997, it became a yearly event every December and this year’s arguably the best so far. “Iwag” is Kinaray-a verb which means “to light”. From the boundaries of Pototan up to the town center, one will never miss the season’s atmosphere. People from Iloilo City and other surrounding towns flock Pototan not only to see their beautiful plaza but also to experience the town’s hospitality and unstoppable merry making. This unique tourist experience earned the town the title as “Christmas Capital of Western Visayas”.

What to do in Pototan’s Plaza during the Festival of Lights?

• Stroll the park and enjoy the creative display of Christmas lights. I recommend viewing the beautiful pool with fountains colored by lights in the evening. The pedestal of the plaza’s obelisk is also transformed into a stage where local talents perform every night.
• Never miss riding the Kuliglig ride which is drove by Santa Claus. For only ten pesos, you can do sight-seeing while traversing the streets surrounding the plaza.
• Enjoy local rides like Ferris-wheel or octopus or place your bets at Pinoy style peryahan.
• Eat to your stomach’s delight with Pototan’s local delicacies and other street food offered at stalls surrounding the coliseum. You may also do shopping and bargain at nearby tiangges (clothes, toys, and local products are available at low prices).

Getting there: Pototan is right along the national highway going to Kalibo or Roxas. From Iloilo City, you may ride buses at Tagbak Terminal. Travel time is approximately 30-40 minutes

Nightly performances by local talent at the Obelisk's pedestal

Brighly colored fountains at the middle of Pototan's plaza

Reindeers lined up in front of the town hall

Miniature Christmas Village at the town hall's lobby

Pototan Plaza Gazeebo lined with Christmas Lights

Another angle of the pool; the Coliseum is seen at the background

Plaza's obelisk transformed into artistic Christmas Lights ensemble

Local residents showing their support to Iwag Festival of Lights

Lamps lining Pototan's streets

Picture Gallery (best viewed with the site’s slideshow)

Tags: Christmas, Pototan