A Merry Marathon: Celebrating 4 Months Of Christmas In The Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — The 7,600-island nation of the Philippines — a country known for its warm hospitality and love for celebrations — hosts a unique and extraordinary tradition each year: The longest Christmas celebration in the world.
Known by Filipinos as the “BER-Months,” the holiday celebrations start as early as September. It is a time when the majority-Catholic nation’s spirit becomes infused with festive energy, setting the stage for a joyous and prolonged Christmas season. Christmas in the Philippines isn't just a day. In fact, it's a season that paints the country with festivity and cheer for four months.
This extended period of celebration has earned the Philippines, a country of 113 million people, the distinction of having the world's longest Christmas season and the enthusiasm of Filipinos is palpable during this 115-day period leading up to Dec. 25. Joyful greetings — such as “Maligayang Pasko” (Merry Christmas in Tagalog) — echoes through the air.
READ: Catholic Traditions That Highlight The Christmas Season
One of the most enchanting features of this Filipino Christmas tradition are the dazzling display of lights that adorn cities nationwide. As soon as the “BER-Months” begin, cities come alive with vibrant lights and decorations. It’s called that because the final four months of the year end with the “ber” suffix as in September, October, November and December.
Weekends are typically dedicated to family outings as a way to witness the grandeur of towering Christmas trees and captivating light shows at shopping malls. Fireworks displays are also a common sight, marking the countdown to the much-anticipated month of December.
Since the Philippines is close to the equator off the South China Sea, it never snows. Therefore, the Christmas season usually sees a slight drop in temperatures. In December, for example, expect temperatures of between 77 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 32 celsius) in most places.
The Parol is at the heart of Christmas decorations in the Filipino holiday tradition. (Photo by Jerico Joshua M. Kahulugan)
The Parol
At the heart of this luminous celebration is the traditional Filipino Parol, a star-shaped lantern crafted from wood, paper and metal that is adorned with capiz shells.
Evolving from its humble origins, modern versions have become larger, more intricate and are a symbol synonymous with the holiday season.
In fact, these lanterns transform streets into a kaleidoscope of colors, adding a touch of magic to the festive atmosphere.
The prolonged Christmas season gives Filipino Catholics more time to spend with family. (Photo by Jerico Joshua M. Kahulugan)
Simbang Gabi
Simbang Gabi, the “Night Mass,” is a religious tradition observed by Filipino Catholics in the lead-up to Christmas. Spanning nine days from Dec. 16-24, this series of daily church gatherings culminates in the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve.
Indeed, Simbang Gabi holds profound cultural significance, reflecting the enduring religious heritage left by centuries of Spanish colonial rule. The spiritual preparation through these Masses is an integral part of the Filipino Christmas experience.
The spirit of giving takes center stage with the tradition of exchanging gifts, a practice deeply embedded in the nation’s culture. Whether at school, work or among family members, the exchange of gifts brings immense joy.
The streets, especially, the Catholic churches, are crowded with thousands of attendees starting at 4 a.m. to complete the Misa de Gallo. According to most Filipino Catholics, the practice is significant about their devotion by giving time to attend early church services is a sign of it. The devotion derives by showing that family bonding fosters a sense of togetherness, making Christmas parties in offices and schools memorable and heartwarming affairs.
Christmas brings out the crowds and wild decorations across the country. (Photo by Jerico Joshua M. Kahulugan)
Noche Buena
The highlight of Filipino Christmas culinary delights is known as “Noche Buena,” a midnight feast held on Christmas Eve following the Misa de Gallo. Also rooted in the country's colonial history, the strong influence of Catholicism is evident in the religious and cultural importance of this festive meal.
Noche Buena features a feast of traditional dishes, with the centerpiece often being a roasted pig known as letchon. Families come together to prepare a sumptuous spread that includes specially-crafted dishes, each contributing to the unique flavor of the season.
Amid the laughter and warmth of such meals, traditional desserts also take center stage. Street vendors offer delightful treats, like sapin-sapin, a multi-colored layered glutinous cake; Bibingka, a sweet rice cake adorned with coconut and sugar; and Biko, a rich and sticky brown-sugar rice cake.
Christmas in the Philippines is a harmonious blend of religious traditions, cultural celebrations, and heartfelt moments of joy. In fact, each year, godparents (known as ninongs and ninangs) give monetary gifts to their godchildren as a sign of love.
This prolonged Christmas season is a time when the entire nation comes alive — creating memories that linger in the hearts of Filipinos long after the last echoes of “Maligayang Pasko” have faded away.
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Jerico Joshua M. Kahulugan is a journalist with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to the pursuit of truth. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, his dedication and talent quickly caught the attention of The Manila Times. He recently took part in the Asia Pacific Journalism Institute, sponsored by The Media Project, held in Manila.