Among the most celebrated events in the Philippines is Christmas, known as Pasko sa Pilipinas in the Filipinos’ native tongue. The traditional Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” takes place over fewer than two weeks. In some regions, Christmas festivities often extend beyond December and even into early November. However, in the Philippines, the Christmas season lasts for an unprecedented four months.
Filipinos like extending the Christmas season for as long as possible. Retailers are free to begin playing Christmas music as early as September. About 80% of the Filipino population identifies as Catholic, making it the dominant Christian denomination in the country. Christians make up a sizable minority in a mostly Christian-less Asian nation. Thus, Christmas has become the most significant celebration in the Philippines. In the Philippines, December is one of the “cooler” months. The Philippines has just two distinct seasons: rainy (June–October) and dry (November–May) (April and May). One of the months between the rainy and dry seasons in December.
Christmas Traditions in the Philippines
The Filipino Caroling
Most cultures worldwide associate Christmas caroling with a full-scale performance that includes polished singing, synchronized costumes and instruments, and memorized carols. Christmas caroling has settled into a comedic routine for us. Beginning at the beginning of December, youngsters and grownups in the Philippines visit each others’ homes to exchange gifts. Instead of using sheet music or dressing up in holiday garb, they use repurposed instruments and make up their own songs. Christmas is almost here, and you can tell by the jingle of homemade instrumental props that carolers are out in full force.
The Parol
Lanterns are known as parol in the Philippines. In the Philippines, a star-shaped lantern represents the holiday season. In the same way, the star of Bethlehem led the three wise men to the manger. This decoration is hung outside Filipino homes to represent light (hope). Variety is the spice of life when it comes to parol. The material may be as basic as colorful paper wrapped in bamboo, as complex as capiz with pre-programmed LED lights, or as varied as a star-shaped structure built from recycled plastic bottles. No of the visual representation, the same meaning is conveyed. For Filipinos, it represents the future. Pampanga, known as “The Lantern Capital of the Philippines,” is the place to go if you want to view an endless swarm of hanging Parols.
The Belen
Often known as the Belen, nativity scenes are typically exclusively shown at religious institutions in most countries. But it’s commonplace in the Philippines. During the holidays, every home in the Philippines will have one. A full set includes the Holy Family, the Three Wise Men, and as many barnyard creatures as you can imagine, although many Belens leave out the Wise Men and the animals since they aren’t as crucial to the story. The original porcelain or a replica constructed from recycled materials may be found in many public and private spaces, including classrooms, lobbies, and living rooms. Competitions for the best Belen are held in certain schools and barangays, leading to impressive presentations.
The ‘Simbang Gabi’
Essentially, what is known as Simbang Gabi (or “night mass”) is a mass held at night. The 9 days leading up to Christmas are when Filipinos stay up late or get up early to attend church. We make an effort to observe all nine days, both as a religious duty and because it is widely believed that if you go to mass on each of the nine days, you’ll get your wish. Churches are decked up in holiday décor, while merchants sell bibingka and puto bumbong outside after Christmas mass, capitalizing on the holiday rush.
The ‘Misa de Gallo’
Masses on Sundays often follow a certain pattern, but Christmas services always have a unique twist. Misa de Gallo, the Filipino Christmas liturgy, differs from the Sunday mass most Filipinos attend. Candles are lit, projections are shown, and occasionally a reenactment of the birth of Jesus is performed as part of this celebration. The first mass after the 9-day observance of Simbang Gabi is called Misa de Gallo. If you attend Misa de Gallo during all 9 nights of Simbang Gabi, you will be granted a wish in your heart, a common Catholic Filipino belief people try to fulfill.
The Christmas Cuisine
You could feel a little cranky if you stay up or get up for Simbang Gabi, but a plate of bibingka and puto bumbong can make you feel better. Both of these are staples of any Filipino Christmas celebration. Rice cakes, both steamed in bamboo tubes and baked in clay pots and leaves, form the basis of both dishes.
The Noche Buena
Traditional Filipino Christmas meals like lechon, queso de bola, hamon, spaghetti, and fruit salad are served during the sumptuous Noche Buena celebration that ushers delight during the Eve of Christmas day in the Philippines. Similarly, most Filipino families spend the better part of the year apart, with children attending college and parents working abroad. Even the routine tasks associated with preparing food and setting the table for Noche Buena are something we look forward to as a family.
Best Places to Spend Christmas in the Philippines
San Fernando, Pampanga
The first stop is at the Philippines’ “Christmas Capital,” the city of San Fernando in the province of Pampanga. People go from around to see the finest parol (Christmas lanterns) and the Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival) in this area. Originally held in December of 1908, this event has become a yearly tradition in San Fernando, Pampanga, with barangays (villages) competing for the title of greatest lantern manufacturer. In addition to this holiday-themed site, Pampanga offers various other tourist attractions.
SM Mall of Asia
You may brighten up your holiday season by going to the Grand Festival of Lights Parade at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay, Metro Manila. It’s a mouthful but appropriate for such a massive, colorful, and visually stunning event. This celebration is quickly becoming one of the most looked forward to annual events in the Philippines. There are many more things to do in Pasay besides this festive attraction that will amaze youngsters and adults alike. Visiting The Dessert Museum is a fun, delicious, and Instagrammable experience. The eight aesthetically appealing rooms have a sweet treat theme and create great photo opportunities.
Dr. Absin’s Christmas House
People in Dumaguete are famed for their generosity, and the town itself is a haven for tranquility on the seaside. It’s off the usual road, so it’s great for Christmas, and it’s modest and chill, but it has a lot of surprises. At this time of year, The Christmas House is one of the most visited landmarks in all of Dumaguete. The Spanish house of Dr. Rico Absin, a guy with a true love for art and décor, is adorned with lights and decorations to entertain visitors.
Christmas Village
Spend your trip in Baguio to escape the city’s oppressive heat and humidity. However, the yearly Christmas Village at Baguio Country Club is the primary reason the City of Pines is so active during the holiday season. Lighted lamps, electric candles, and even fake snow give the area a festive atmosphere. Since you’ll already be in Baguio to enjoy the pleasant climate and this striking landmark, you may take advantage of the city’s many other delights.
Malapascua or Bantayan Islands, Cebu
The pristine white sand, tranquil ambiance, and crystal blue seas of the twin islands’ unspoiled beaches are hard to resist. Divers interested in exploring the underwater treasures of Cebu, Philippines, will find several intriguing dive spots throughout the islands. Plan ahead and reserve your hotel at least a month in advance. In addition, better extend your stay till the third Sunday of January to witness one of the grandest festivities in the Philippines. Sinulog is among the most important and elaborate celebrations. Leaving the city just before it begins would be a major mistake. You may experience the Filipinos’ devotion to the Sto. Nino and indulge in some of the city’s signature delights.
— — —
Among the many celebrations celebrated in the Philippines, Christmas is the one most anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Travelers from other countries are in luck since the Philippines offers diverse, fascinating, and spirited yuletide options. Whatever the case, Filipinos know how to host a fantastic holiday bash you’ll never forget!
