Christmas in the Philippines is a big deal. Unlike in most other parts of the world, Filipinos begin celebrating Christmas in September. The “ber” months, as they are called, herald the start of the Christmas season with traditional lanterns being made, carols ringing in shops, and gifts stacking high on shelves.
Even though many Filipinos live at or below the breadline, Christmas is a time of extravagance. The average Filipino household spends 570 USD during Christmas time on food, gifts, and decorations.
When does the Christmas season start in the Philippines?
Filipino Christmas traditions are a big part of the culture, partly due to 90% of the country being Christian (with 80% of those being Catholic).
The Christmas season in the Philippines is the longest-running celebration, globally. Gifts are given, food is lovingly cooked and eaten, and families get together to bask in their love for each other. Many traditions are thrown into the mix, ranging from traditional western ones like decorated Christmas trees, to faith-oriented ones like Midnight Mass.
Learning why the Philippines celebrates Christmas early is to discover a story rooted in commercialism. Although the country’s faith is strong, their love of shopping is just as strong. Shops begin to play Christmas carols and music as early as September. This festive season, which lasts for four months, has been widely embraced by the populace, especially the younger generations.
Unique Christmas traditions in the Philippines
There are many Filipino Christmas traditions - ranging from familiar western ones such as Santa Claus, to more traditional ones rooted in Spanish history. Here are some of the most popular Christmas traditions in the Philippines:
- • Belen Sets - A Belen is a nativity scene. As many Filipinos are Catholic, the Christian nativity story is a core part of the Christmas celebrations. Intricate sets are created from porcelain or even recycled material. The key setup consists of baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Three Kings feature in many of them, as do all sorts of barn animals, although they aren’t a necessity. Angels often flank the outside, and the whole setup is lit by twinkling lights.
- • Parols - Christmas lights are a staple of the festive season all over the world. But Filipinos have taken it one step further. A huge, brightly lit star, or parol, can be found in houses and shops across the country. These parols were originally designed to light the way to Simbang Gabi while being placed on lamp posts but can now be found in various buildings throughout the Philippines.
- Simbang Gabi - Simbang Gabi is a series of late-night masses held in the nine days leading up to Christmas. The last, and main one, is on Christmas Eve. It begins very late at night, and runs into the early hours of Christmas Day morning.
- • Misa de Gallo - Misa de Gallo is the climax of the nine midnight masses in the lead-up to Christmas day. It usually centers around the birth of Jesus and involves lots of lights, candles, projector shows, and possibly a re-enactment of the birth. The belief goes that if you have attended all nine Simbang Gabi masses, including the Misa de Gallo, then you can make a wish on the final night.
- • Manito-Manita - A “Manito” or “Manita”, a term of endearment for a good friend, is what the gift recipient is called. Gift-giving with a twist is a favourite Filipino Christmas tradition. But simply giving a gift to your Manito or Manita is way too boring. You have to present the gift to everyone assembled, who will then try to guess what’s inside.
- • The Red Envelope or Ang Pao - Chinese “aunties”, “uncles”, or grandparents gift children money over the Christmas period in red envelopes which are called “ang pao” and meant to bring good luck.
Some favorite Filipino Christmas meals include:
- 1. Lechon: Slow roast pig served with crispy crackling, and stuffed with peppers, pineapple, chilies, ginger, and lemongrass. Dipping sauces accompany it on the side.
- 2. Bibingka: A sweet and sticky coconut rice cake often served by street vendors around Christmas time. It’s cooked in a clay pot and eaten with your hands.
- 3. Pinoy-style spaghetti: Sweet-style noodles with hotdogs and ground beef. These noodles are smothered in a sauce made from banana ketchup, sugar, and tomato paste.
- 4. Embutido: Ground pork meatloaf with veggies, cheese, and raisins. It is stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, more raisins, ham, and hot dogs. This is often served as a dish during Noche Buena.
- 5. Lumpiang ubod: Filipino spring rolls made for sharing. They are stuffed with shrimp, heart-of-palm, veggies, coconut, and pork. Various dipping sauces are served on the side.
- 6. Buko salad: A very sweet fruit salad made with shredded coconut, various fruits, jelly, sweets, tapioca, and sugar palm, and topped with condensed milk and cream.
- 7. Leche flan: Similar to creme caramel in western countries, this flan is made by cooking condensed milk and caramel, and is served cool.
- 8. Puto bumbong: Another rice cake, but this time served in the home for Noche Buena. The purple-colored dessert is made with steamed glutinous rice and cooked in a bamboo pole. Warm butter, grated coconut, and brown sugar are spooned on top, and the whole pudding is wrapped in banana leaves.
