Following the transfer of the provincial capital from Bacolor to San Fernando in August 1904, this lantern event followed as well.

During the nine-day novena before Christmas, which coincided with the simbang gabi from December 16 to 24, these paruls were brought around each barrio in procession to their visita.

Before the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the lanterns were brought to the town church together with the barrio patrons.

This tradition gradually evolved as the lanterns became bigger and the designs became more intricate.

Later, one big lantern was made for each barrio, which was created through a cooperative effort.

The added illusion of dancing lights highlighted the bright colors and intricate designs of these Giant Lanterns.

At this time, the lights were controlled by individual switches that were turned on and off following the beat of the music.

The first lantern festival was held to honor President Manuel L. Quezon.

As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to honor the first family.

Colored plastics replaced traditional papel de hapon.

The use of colored plastics will continue on until 2010, wherein fiberglass and handmade paper lanterns will make their first appearances.

[2] Large steel barrels called rotors also substituted the hand-controlled switches to manipulate the lights.

And lanterns have grown in size, approximately 20-feet today, and illuminated by about 3,500 to 5,000 light bulbs.

The festival was almost postponed in 1991 due to the cataclysmic Mount Pinatubo eruption.

Dolores achieved a grand slam champion after they won in three competitive years: 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Also, 3 participating barangays returned for the competition: San Pedro, Sto.

In 2020, the competition proper was canceled and instead presented as an exhibition due to the COVID-19 virus.

SMART gave prizes for the top 3 winners of #SmartxGLF2020 popularity award through social media.

San Juan emerged as the winner of the competition, marking their first championship.

San Nicolas emerged as the champion of the 2024 festival, a victorious comeback after 24 years.

The festival has been featured in various shows such as Biyahe ni Drew and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho