In the Philippines, one tradition that clearly marks or symbolizes Christmas is the ‘Simbang Gabi’. The literal translation of Simbang Gabi is “Night Mass”. Catholic Filipinos attend mass for nine straight days. These masses are held at the break of dawn, with some service as early as 4 AM. This Paskong Pinoy tradition started when the Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule. At its start, the masses were celebrated at night, hence it's named 'Simbang Gabi'. Later on the churches adjusted the service schedule to early dawn, this is to accommodate the countless natives who needs to sleep early and wake up early to tend to the farms. Simbang Gabi Starts in the Philippines Simbang Gabi starts on December 16 and ends in December 24 of every year. This is the time when churches all over the Philippines are jam-pack with the crowd even extending outside so early in the morning. Families, couples, friends, whole communities come together to hear mass, pray for their ...
Simbang Gabi
Filipino Christmas – Uniquely Paskong Pinoy
Get to know more about Paskong Pinoy the distinctive, unique ways that the Philippines and the Filipinos celebrate the Birth of Christ. First off, Christmas is very special in the Philippines, so special that we start celebrating it several months ahead of the rest of the world. No kidding! Pasko officially starts on the First Sunday of Advent and ends on the day we celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings, which is every January 6. Unofficially, Filipinos starts celebrating Christmas as soon as the ‘ber’ months rolls-in. September October November December January 1 to 6 The Philippine Christmas season! No one here in the country will bat an eye when neighbors and friends start putting up the Christmas tree and holiday decors as early as September 1, unless it’s a foreigner unfamiliar with our traditions. Even Filipinos abroad celebrates the the holidays early. Paskong Pinoy Christmas Music Most Filipinos look forward to ...