Christmas Traditions in the Philippines.

How do you spend Christmas in the Philippines? It is said that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world.  What are some of the Christmas traditions in the Philippines that you’ve enjoyed?  Here’s a few that I’ve noted:

There are bright holiday decorations and there is festive music playing everywhere, people’s homes, on the radio and in stores. You can hear Filipino Christmas tunes like “Pasko na Sinta Ko”.

 You’ll see groups of people using “parols”, which are star shaped lanterns that have candles inside to light the way to the church in the dark.

Almost everyone will attend “Miso de Gallo”, which is a Mass held before dawn on December 16^th.  This marks the start of the 9 day novena.

Enjoy native foods outside the church like “puto bumbong” which is steamed rice inside of a small bamboo tube, “bibingka” which is rice cake with fresh coconut meat and salted eggs, and “suman” which is steamed rice (of course) wrapped in banana leaves.  This is making me hungry.

You can expect carolers or “cumbancheros” to visit the house to serenade you and the neighbors.

There is usually a re-enactment of the Holy Couple’s journey to Bethlehem, called “Panunuluyan” at the town plaza on Christmas Eve.

Almost everyone attends midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

You see friends and relatives getting together for "Noche Buena" after the Mass ends. There is usually dancing, a festive meal, and gift exchange.  This goes on all night.

The holiday season draws to a close with the Feast of the Three Kings on the first Sunday of January. 

I like to hear what some of your favorite Christmas holiday traditions are..