Maligayang Pasko

Maligayang Pasko is Tagalog for Merry Christmas. Tagalog is the Philippines’ national language. But there are also many other dialects that are spoken in the Philippines. My native dialect is Cebuano. And in Cebuano, Merry Christmas is Maayong Pasko.

10 Filipino Christmas Traditions

1) Christmas Starts in September

We have the longest Celebration of Christmas all over the world. By the first day of September, you would already hear Christmas carols being played on the radio and see Christmas decorations everywhere.

2) Parol

A star-shaped lantern that graces every  Filipino household. It’s a Christmas decor that is made of native Filipino materials like bamboo or capiz shells.

3) Belen

Or the Nativity Scene is another Christmas decoration that is common among Filipino households, most especially Catholics.

4) Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo

Or 9 Mornings in English, wherein Filipinos attend mass at dawn that starts on December 16 and ends on the 24th. Simbang Gabi literally means Night Mass and its Spanish term Misa de Gallo literally means Rooster’s Mass.

5) Puto Bumbong and Bibingka

These Filipino delicacies are only served during the Christmas season and the favorites among Simbang Gabi goers.

6) Christmas Caroling

The start of Simbang Gabi on December 16 also marks the beginning of caroling at night. Filipinos, adults and kids alike go house to house and sing Christmas carols.

7) Aginaldo

We give our loved ones aginaldo or the Spanish term for gift. It can also be money.

8) Monito, Monita

Another gift-giving tradition wherein friends, family or colleagues give and receive a series of gifts days before Christmas.

9) Noche Buena

The Filipino dinner or feast that is served on Christmas Eve. Noche Buena is the Spanish term for Good Night.

10) Media Noche

The Filipino dinner or feast prepared on New Year’s Eve. Media Noche is the Spanish term for Midnight. Everyone awaits the New Year with delicious Filipino food and celebrates with fireworks to welcome it in.

The Christmas celebrations continue to the first Sunday in January when the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated.

Six days until Christmas. May you all have a Merry Christmas!