The procession held the Christmas lanterns high and slowly circled the gardens, vanquishing the December darkness. Want the latest on the Mission and San Francisco? Sign up for our free daily ...

The parol festival held in part by FilAm Arts in Los Angeles (photo by Nailah Barcelona, courtesy FilAm Arts) The five-pointed parol has long been a symbol of the holiday season in the Philippines.

For weeks during the holiday season, Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco is colorfully adorned with Christmas lanterns. While they are beautiful decorations, they also serve as a nod to the ...