Christmas in the Philippines

It’s officially Christmas!

Christmas is one of the most awaited events in the country. And although the Christmas season in the Philippines is the longest, starting as early as September, Christmas officially starts with the first Misa de Gallofor most people, especially among Catholics.

Misa de Gallo a Spanish phrase which means Rooster’s Mass; otherwise, meaning “dawn Mass.” It is said that the Rooster’s Mass got its name because of the legend that a rooster was among the first to witness the birth of Jesus Christ, and was the one who announced it.

In the Philippines, Misa de Gallo is a custom that lasts for nine days, starting on the dawn of December 16 up to December 24, with Masses usually starting at around 4 a.m. The practice started during the Spanish colonial period. The dawn Masses were initially intended for farmers who wanted to attend Christmas Mass but could not leave their fields.

Today, Misa de Gallo is a family affair. Families would gather as early as 3 a.m. to attend the dawn Masses. Even the younger generation has learned to attend the Masses even if they have classes in the morning. This is because there is a belief that attending the nine-day Masses will make wishes or favors come true. Good health, a Christmas wish, or perhaps a new love are just some of the wishes that are prayed for by those who attend the Misa de Gallo.

In the Luzon area, puto bumbong (a purple colored rice pastry, seasoned with grated coconut and brown sugar) and tsokolate (hot cocoa drink) are the famous delicacies sold outside the church as early snacks for churchgoers. Here in Cebu, churchgoers usually have painit, or early morning snacks, of bibingka (rice flour and egg based cake, cooked using coals on top of and under the pastry), puto maya and sikwate (hot chocolate drink) at food stalls near the church or in their homes. Puto bumbong, however, is getting to be a famous delicacy in Cebu, especially because these are now served in hotels and restaurants.

On Christmas Eve, Filipino families attend the Misa de Aguinaldo or the Mass celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, at 10 p.m. After the Mass, families then partake of the Noche Buena meal, which usually consists of lechon, hamon, cheeses, a variety of salads, pasta, embotido and sweets.

Christmas in the Philippines is truly a family celebration. It is the Filipino family’s way of celebrating the birth of Christ by sharing a joyous meal...together!