A giant sustainable Christmas lantern inspired by the iconic Filipino parol is on public display in Folkestone, celebrating culture, community, and shared hope this festive season.
The project, titled Wish Upon a Giant Christmas Star, brought together local families, schools, businesses and volunteers, highlighting cultural diversity while giving children a platform to share their hopes for the future.
This year’s Giant Christmas Star features handwritten wishes from pupils of St Augustine Catholic Primary School in Hythe. Its outer finish is made from recycled Tesco bags, reinforcing the project’s message of environmental awareness and creative reuse.
“Among many Asian cultures, Filipinos remain one of the least visible in the UK. By sharing the parol, we invite our neighbours to know us better,” said Melissa Grace Dizon, community leader of the Folkestone & Hythe Filipino Community Network and lead organiser of the project.
“The parol reminds us that even in challenging times, we choose light, resilience, and a colourful future ahead,” she said.
The Filipino parol, derived from the Spanish word farol meaning lantern, traditionally symbolises the Star of Bethlehem and represents hope, unity, and guidance. Traditionally crafted from bamboo and paper, modern parols have evolved to include sustainable and recycled materials.
The handcrafted lantern is showcased at 53 Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 1NY (formerly Claire’s), in the heart of the town centre, and will remain on view throughout the Christmas period.
The Folkestone & Hythe Filipino Community Network (FHFCN) is a grassroots, community-led organisation dedicated to promoting Filipino culture, inclusion, and civic engagement across Folkestone, Hythe, and the wider Kent area.
Photo credit: Mel Dizon
