Looking for a more meaningful Christmas celebration? Filipino Christmas Traditions are all about faith, family, and joy. Whether you’re away from home or want to try something new this season, these customs will make your holiday special.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The longest Christmas season and its charm
- Traditional Filipino foods to enjoy
- Popular traditions like caroling, the Parol, and Simbang Gabi
Following these traditions will fill your holiday with love and celebration. Let’s get started and bring the Filipino Christmas spirit to life!
- Distinctive Filipino Christmas Traditions
- 1. Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass)
- 2. Parol (Christmas Lanterns)
- 3. Misa de Gallo (Dawn Mass)
- 4. Pasko sa Barangay (Community Celebrations)
- 5. Belen (Nativity Scenes)
- 6. Aguinaldo (Gift-Giving Tradition)
- 7. "Pasko sa Puno" (Christmas Tree Lighting)
- 8. Caroling (Kanto-Kanto or "Pamaskong Handog")
- 9. "Panunuluyan" (Re-enactment of the Nativity)
- 10. "Salubong" (Welcoming the Christ Child)
- 11. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Feast)
- Traditional Filipino Christmas Foods
- Filipino Christmas Celebrations and Festivities
- Filipino Christmas Traditions: A Recap
- FAQs
Distinctive Filipino Christmas Traditions
1. Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass)
Simbang Gabi is a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition where Catholics attend a series of early morning Masses, starting on December 16. The Masses lead up to Christmas Eve and symbolize anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Parol (Christmas Lanterns)
During the festive season, a parol is a colorful, star-shaped lantern made of bamboo and paper. It represents the Star of Bethlehem. Filipinos hang these vibrant lanterns outside their homes to celebrate Christmas and to symbolize hope and joy.
3. Misa de Gallo (Dawn Mass)
Misa de Gallo, or the Dawn Mass, is a Filipino Catholic tradition observed in the early mornings of December 16–24. It is believed that completing all nine Masses brings blessings. Many Filipinos attend to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
4. Pasko sa Barangay (Community Celebrations)
Pasko sa Barangay refers to the Christmas celebrations in Filipino communities or barangays. It features street parties, gift-giving, and shared meals, bringing together locals in a festive spirit. It fosters unity and showcases the Filipino culture of togetherness during Christmas.
5. Belen (Nativity Scenes)
A Belen is a nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, often displayed in Filipino homes and public spaces. The tradition highlights Filipino devotion to the Holy Family and is an essential part of Filipino Christmas decorations.
6. Aguinaldo (Gift-Giving Tradition)
Aguinaldo is the custom of giving gifts during Christmas. Traditionally, children visit their godparents, family, and neighbors to receive “aguinaldo,” often in the form of money or treats. It strengthens family ties and spreads holiday cheer among Filipinos.
7. “Pasko sa Puno” (Christmas Tree Lighting)
In the Christmas season, Filipinos light up Christmas trees, creating a joyful atmosphere. Many Filipinos gather to decorate trees, which symbolize the Christmas spirit and unity. It’s a tradition in Christmas parties across the country.
8. Caroling (Kanto-Kanto or “Pamaskong Handog”)
Caroling, also called “Kanto-Kanto,” is a fun Filipino Christmas tradition where children and adults sing Christmas songs door-to-door. In exchange for small gifts or money, they spread cheer and celebrate the season with joy. Santa Claus is often part of the fun.
9. “Panunuluyan” (Re-enactment of the Nativity)
Panunuluyan is a Filipino tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a place in Bethlehem. This is done in many communities, with a procession that reminds everyone of the humble birth of Baby Jesus. It’s part of native Filipino traditions during the Christmas season.
10. “Salubong” (Welcoming the Christ Child)
During Christmas, Filipinos celebrate Salubong, a joyful moment when Mary meets the risen Christ Child. This tradition marks the beginning of Christmas in the Philippines, symbolizing the start of the festive season and the importance of faith.
11. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Feast)
Noche Buena is the grand Christmas Eve feast enjoyed by Filipino families. It includes delicious dishes such as lechon, ham, and rice cakes. The meal is shared after attending midnight Mass, marking the arrival of Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus Christ.
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Traditional Filipino Christmas Foods
12. Lechon (Roast Pig)
Lechon, a grand feast dish, is a popular Filipino Christmas tradition. The whole pig is roasted until crispy and served at Christmas parties. Many Filipinos enjoy it during Noche Buena, symbolizing abundance and joy in the Christmas season.
13. Puto Bumbong (Purple Rice Cake)
Puto Bumbong is a delicious Filipino Christmas treat made from purple rice steamed in bamboo tubes. Served with grated coconut and sugar, it’s a special snack enjoyed after Simbang Gabi, making it a key part of native Filipino traditions.
14. Bibingka (Rice Cake)
Bibingka is a fluffy rice cake enjoyed by Filipinos during Christmas morning. Baked with banana leaves, it’s topped with cheese and salted eggs, often enjoyed after Misa de Gallo or early morning Mass.
15. Kutsinta (Brown Rice Cake)
Kutsinta is a chewy, sweet, sticky rice dessert made with brown sugar and lye water. It’s commonly served during the Christmas season, often topped with grated coconut, and is a favorite during family gatherings.
16. Quezo de Bola (Edam Cheese)
Quezo de Bola, or Edam cheese, is a holiday staple in Filipino households. It’s often enjoyed with roasted pig or Christmas ham during the Christmas season, symbolizing wealth and good fortune in Filipino Christmas traditions.
17. Pancit Malabon (Noodles)
Pancit Malabon, a noodle dish with shrimp and seafood sauce, is a must-have during Filipino Christmas feasts. It’s traditionally served as a symbol of long life, reflecting the Filipino belief in prosperity and good health during Christmas parties.
18. Bibingkang Malagkit (Sticky Rice Cake)
Bibingkang Malagkit is a sticky rice cake with coconut milk and brown sugar, often enjoyed during Noche Buena. Its sweet and chewy texture makes it a beloved treat in Filipino homes, especially after Christmas Eve Mass.
19. Suman (Rice Cake Wrapped in Leaves)
Suman is a sweet, sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and filled with coconut milk and sugar. It’s a popular Christmas treat in the Philippines, often served during Christmas parties or as part of the grand feast.
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Filipino Christmas Celebrations and Festivities
20. Longest Christmas Celebration
Christmas in the Philippines starts as early as September and continues until January. The longest Christmas celebration brings joy, with homes decorated with traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns and Christmas songs filling the air.
21. Christmas Day and Family Gatherings
On Christmas morning, families gather for Noche Buena and exchange Christmas gifts. Popular Filipino Christmas foods like roasted pig and spring rolls are enjoyed. Families also attend night mass at the Catholic church.
22. Holiday Parades and Fireworks
In the Christmas season, shopping malls and streets in the Philippines are filled with vibrant parades, music, and fireworks. It’s a time to celebrate and share the joy of Christmas in the Philippines with everyone.
23. Christmas Markets and Fairs
In the Philippines, Christmas markets are filled with Christmas gifts, local crafts, and popular Filipino Christmas foods. Families enjoy shopping for Christmas decorations and tasty treats during the holiday season. It’s a fun way to celebrate together.
24. “Pasko sa Maynila” (Christmas in Manila)
“Pasko sa Maynila” brings Christmas in the Philippines alive. The city’s Christmas decorations, Christmas lights, and parades create a joyful atmosphere. Manila is filled with happiness, especially near the big nativity scene and holiday events.
25. Christmas Light Shows and Displays
Filipinos love decorating with Christmas lights during the holiday season. In cities like Manila, light shows often play Christmas songs to create a magical celebration. The lights bring families together to enjoy the festive season.
Filipino Christmas Traditions: A Recap
Filipinos celebrate Christmas with unique traditions, beginning as early as September. One key tradition is the Simbang Gabi, a series of early morning Masses leading up to Christmas. Homes lit parol lanterns, often made of bamboo and Japanese paper, to symbolize hope. Noche Buena features a grand feast, with Christmas hams, spring rolls, and sticky rice called “suman”, wrapped in leaves.
Filipinos also enjoy clay pot-baked rice cakes like bibingka, highlighting native Filipino traditions. The season is filled with love and faith, honoring the Virgin Mary and the birth of Baby Jesus. Christmas officially ends after the Three Kings celebration, marking the end of the longest Christmas season in the world.