Paskong Pinoy 3 Adds Belen Making Contest to Its Festive Christmas Celebration in Vienna

VIENNA, Austria – The Filipino Christmas spirit will shine even brighter this year as Paskong Pinoy returns for its third edition on November 21, 2026, bringing together Filipino culture, creativity, sustainability and community celebrations in Vienna.

Presented by Marikit Markt, Paskong Pinoy 3 promises a bigger and merrier gathering for Filipinos, Austrians and international friends, with activities celebrating Filipino Christmas traditions and encouraging participation across generations.

Among the exciting additions to this year’s programme are two creative competitions: the previously announced Parol Making Contest and the newly introduced Belen Making Contest, offering participants more opportunities to showcase their artistic talents and Christmas spirit.

Belen Making Contest: Celebrating the Nativity Through Creativity

The Belen Making Contest invites participants to recreate the Nativity scene, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, through handmade or digital creations.

The competition features two categories: Handmade and Digital, with attractive prizes sponsored by community partners.

For the handmade category, entries must be entirely handmade, with a maximum size of 60 x 60 centimetres. Participants are encouraged to use recycled or upcycled materials, while LED lights are permitted for illumination. Candles are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

The winner of the handmade category will receive a €100 prize, sponsored by the Filipino Food Festival.

For those who prefer digital creativity, the digital category offers an opportunity to design a Belen using digital tools. Participants are encouraged to create their work, submit it and share it with others. The entry receiving the most likes will be declared the winner.

The digital category prize is a Digital Ceramic Workshop, sponsored by Common Room.

Organizers have announced that only five slots are available for the contest. Interested participants must register by November 14, 2026, by sending a direct message to @paskongpinoyaustria on Instagram or Facebook.

Parol Making Contest: A Greener Filipino Christmas

The Belen competition joins the previously announced Parol Making Contest, which celebrates the iconic Filipino Christmas lantern while promoting environmental awareness.

Participants are invited to create handmade parols using recycled or upcycled materials. Entries must measure between 50 and 120 centimetres in width, and store-bought lanterns are not accepted.

Visitors attending the event will become the judges, voting for their favourite creations by placing stickers. The parol receiving the most stickers will win.

The contest highlights how Filipino Christmas traditions can be preserved and reimagined through creativity and sustainable practices.

A Celebration for Everyone

Beyond the competitions, Paskong Pinoy 3 aims to bring people together through the flavours of the Philippines, festive activities, cultural traditions and opportunities to build new friendships.

Whether visitors are members of the Filipino community, second- or third-generation Filipinos, Filipino-Austrians or simply friends who appreciate Filipino culture, everyone is welcome to experience the warmth and joy of a Filipino Christmas.

Paskong Pinoy 3 will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 11:00 to 21:00 at Statt-Beisl im WUK, Währinger Straße 59, 1090 Vienna.

With the addition of the Belen Making Contest alongside the Parol Making Contest, this year’s celebration promises not only to showcase Filipino artistry and heritage but also to remind everyone of the deeper meaning of Christmas: hope, faith, family and togetherness.

Mabuhay ang Paskong Pinoy!