Christmas in the Philippines is unlike any other. It’s a vibrant celebration woven with traditions, delicious food, and a contagious spirit of merriment that stretches for months. From September to the lively Christmas Eve celebrations, Filipino Christmas is a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are 12 things that set a Pinoy Christmas apart:
1. A Season-Long Celebration
Forget the December rush! Filipinos start feeling the Christmas spirit as early as September. The “Ber” months (September, October, November, December) usher in the festive mood with carols blaring from houses and shopping malls. Christmas decorations go up, and the hunt for the perfect Noche Buena ingredients begins.
2. Simbang Gabi: A Dawn Devotion
A cherished tradition, Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) is a series of nine dawn masses held from December 16th to 24th. Devotees attend these pre-dawn masses to honor the Virgin Mary and pray for their wishes to be granted. The experience is a beautiful display of faith and community spirit.
3. Parols: Lighting Up the Night
A quintessential symbol of Filipino Christmas, the parol is a star-shaped lantern traditionally made from bamboo and capiz shells. Today, parols come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but they all serve the same purpose: to illuminate homes and neighborhoods, symbolizing the guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem.
4. Belen: The Nativity Comes Alive
Filipino homes come alive with intricate Nativity scenes called “Belen.” These belens depict the birth of Jesus, often featuring miniature houses, figurines, and even representations of local flora and fauna. Some families take creating their belens to a whole new level, incorporating elaborate landscapes and lighting effects.
5. Noche Buena: A Feast Fit for a King
The centerpiece of Filipino Christmas celebrations is the Noche Buena, a Christmas Eve feast. Families gather around a table laden with traditional dishes like Lechon (roasted pig), Hamon (glazed ham), Queso de Bola (Dutch Edam cheese), and bibingka (a sweet rice cake). The Noche Buena is a time for families to reconnect, share stories, and give thanks for their blessings.
6. Media Noche: Ringing in Christmas with Sweet Treats
After attending midnight mass, Filipinos indulge in Media Noche, a post-midnight snack. This lighter spread features hot chocolate, puto bumbong (purple rice cakes), and various Filipino delicacies. It’s a sweet way to usher in Christmas Day.
7. Christmas Day: Family, Fun, and Aguinaldo
Christmas Day is a time for relaxation and family bonding. Filipinos often visit relatives and attend church services. Children excitedly await their “aguinaldo,” a Christmas gift traditionally given by elders. The day is filled with laughter, games, and a sense of togetherness.
8. A Day of Giving
The Filipino tradition of extending Christmas cheer continues on December 26th, Boxing Day. Many Filipinos visit godchildren, extended family, and those less fortunate, sharing food and gifts.
9. Pasko sa Barangay: Community Spirit Shines
Filipino neighborhoods organize lively “Pasko sa Barangay” (Christmas in the Barangay) celebrations. These events feature street dancing, carol singing competitions, and community meals. It’s a vibrant display of Filipino Christmas spirit that brings neighbors together.
10. New Year’s Eve: Countdown to Hope and Renewal
Filipinos continue the festivities on New Year’s Eve. Families gather for reunions, enjoying fireworks displays and traditional dishes like pancit (stir-fried noodles) and 12 rounded fruits for good luck. Noisemakers are banged at midnight, believed to ward off evil spirits and usher in a prosperous new year.
11. Feast of the Three Kings: The Enduring Spirit
The Christmas season in the Philippines culminates in the Feast of the Three Kings. Families gather once more to attend mass, visit relatives and have some last-minute reunions before the holidays end and go back to work.
12. A Celebration of Faith, Family, and Fun
At its core, a Filipino Christmas is about celebrating faith, family, and the joy of the season. It’s a time for traditions, delicious food, and expressing gratitude for life’s blessings. So, if you’re looking for a unique and heartwarming Christmas experience, look no further than the Philippines.
