Christmas traditions in the Philippines
Christmas in the Philippines is one of the most festive and widely celebrated occasions in the country. Filipinos are known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons, starting as early as September and extending until the first week of January. Yes, you read it right – September! By then one can already see Christmas decorations on sale and speakers feed us with a number of Christmas songs known globally (and of course… All I want for Christmas is you). Speaking of decorations, Polish people would not be surprised as we can buy Christmas trees and other, exactly the same, Christmas balls and chains. But what do traditions look like in the Philippines? What can we observe there?
Simbang Gabi – night mass
Simbang Gabi, which translates to “Night Mass” in English, is a significant religious tradition observed among Filipinos. It involves attending a series of nine early morning Masses at 4 am starting on December 16 and culminating with the Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) on Christmas Eve.
Parols – lanterns
Parols are star-shaped lanterns made of bamboo frames covered with colorful cellophane or paper. These lanterns symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and are displayed outside homes, in streets, and even in shopping malls. The parols come in various sizes and designs, and they beautifully illuminate the surroundings.
Christmas carols
Filipinos love to sing Christmas carols, and it’s common to hear groups of carolers going from house to house, serenading residents with traditional Filipino Christmas songs like “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” and “Pasko Na Naman.”
Noche Buena – Christmas feast
Noche Buena is a grand Christmas Eve feast held after the midnight Mass. Families gather together to enjoy a sumptuous meal that typically includes traditional Filipino dishes like lechon (roast pig), ham, queso de bola (ball of cheese), bibingka (rice cake), and puto bumbong (sticky rice delicacy). But from a foreigner perspective… A weird part of the menu that is almost always seen on the Christmas table is… Spaghetti (which is sweet at the top of that)!
Aguinaldo
Aguinaldo refers to Christmas gifts and is a common practice during the season. It is customary for children to receive small amounts of money or gifts from their elders, such as godparents, parents, and relatives.
Christmas decorations
Filipinos love to decorate their homes with Christmas ornaments and lights. In addition to parols, you’ll find Christmas trees adorned with colorful decorations, garlands, and twinkling lights. Christmas celebrations continue beyond December 25 in the Philippines. The country observes Rizal Day on December 30, commemorating the national hero, Jose Rizal. And on January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings or Epiphany is celebrated, marking the end of the Christmas season.
Christmas parties
In theory, these are equivalent to European Christmas Eve gatherings/lunches/dinners in schools or workplaces. Theoretically, because they do not take place quietly. In the Philippines they are held with great fanfare, with tables overflowing with food, and not just sweets, but such delicacies such as crabs, chicken, platters of cooked fruit and much, much more.
Nativity plays are replaced by meticulously prepared performance programmes, from singing to dancing to the tune of ‘Move like a Jagger’, Pitbull and other disco-radio hits. The children train for these performances well in advance, but they are not the only ones who take an active part. Teachers also prepare elaborate dance routines, which they present to their pupils to thunderous applause.
Christmas in the Philippines
The holiday spirit is evident in the Philippines, with various events and activities taking place throughout the season. Shopping malls are beautifully decorated, and many hold Christmas concerts, bazaars, and other events. Some cities and towns also organize grand light shows and street parades. Overall, Christmas in the Philippines is a joyful and meaningful time for Filipinos. It combines religious traditions with vibrant cultural practices, creating a festive atmosphere that brings families and communities together.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Author: Monique Hidalgo (USC’s) and dr. Filip Wojciechowski (Kahibalo Foundation)
