Pasko/Philippine Christmas

Christmas in the Philippines is the most important holiday in the Philippines. As it starts as soon as the "ber" months arrive: September.

Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the wolrd!

The houses, streets, malls and markets are gloomy and covered with Xmas decorations.

Here some Xmas traditions of the Philippines:

completing 9 mornings (Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo):
- Philippines are mostly Catholics. The morning masses usually start on December and ends on Christmas Eve. Held every morning between 4am to am.
Filipino Christmas delis:
- Puto Bumbong
- Bibingka
Decorations:
- while other countries have their Santa Clause, Christmas stocking, Christmas bells, we Filipinos have our star we called "Parol". It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem.
Carolling:
- Filipinos love singing which shines even more during Christmas Season. Bringing our homemade instruments (tambourines, drums out of cans) we visit homes and sing Christmas carols in exchange for tokens, mostly children to get a few coins which give them a lot of joy. This as a gratitude of their singing efforts. The most loved original song at carollings is "ang pasko ay sumapit"
Noche Buena:
- Noche Buena gathers the whole family and relatives to enjoy a meal late in the night. Its takes place after the midnight mass "Misa de Gallo".
- the most favourite dishes are: Lechon, Queso de Bola (cheese ball), fruit salad, ham, Bibingka and Puto Bumbong