This Bay Area shop is adding a dash of traditional Filipino culture to your holiday
Header image by Ella Lambio with photos from @shop_farols/Instagram
Already hanging up your Christmas decorations? Consider adding traditional Filipino ornaments into the mix with the help of the Filipina-owned, San Francisco-based shop Farols.
After all, there’s nothing like a bit of capiz to elevate and cultivate that festive Filipino atmosphere.
Owned by Filipina-American businesswoman Connie Villeta, Farols proudly calls itself the only official parol retailer in the Bay Area. Inspired by the star of Bethlehem, parols are Filipino Christmas star lanterns traditionally constructed using bamboo and papel de japon during the Spanish occupation. It has since become an iconic Christmas symbol and an art form that continues to be practiced today.
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Farols’ illuminated star lanterns made of capiz shells come in designs ranging from simple to intricate. They are available in 15-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch sizes. The shop also has a selection of other capiz products like tree ornaments, candleholders, and ball lanterns.
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“Every single farol we offer is authentically handmade in the Philippines. We take pride in preserving the traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance of these beautiful lanterns. When you purchase our farols, you’re not just acquiring a piece of art but also supporting the skilled artisans who handcraft them with great care and dedication,” Farols states on their website.
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In 2022, Farols took part in San Francisco’s 20th Parol Lantern Festival organized by SOMA Pilipinas and the Filipino American Development Foundation. The festival boasts a parol gallery exhibit and parol-making workshops that we can expect to return this year.
But you won’t have to wait before then to get your own parol with Farols shipping within the US and internationally.
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