Christmas Day Description
Christmas Day (Araw ng Pasko) on December 25th is the most anticipated holiday in the Philippines — a country known for having the world's longest Christmas season, which effectively begins in September with the start of the 'Ber' months and runs through the Feast of the Three Kings in January. Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) on December 24th is the heart of the celebration, when families attend the final Simbang Gabi (dawn mass) or Misa de Gallo, then share a lavish midnight feast featuring lechon (roast pig), hamon (Christmas ham), queso de bola (Edam cheese), pancit, and fruit salad. The exchange of gifts (aguinaldo) follows at midnight. Churches are packed for Christmas Eve Mass. Government offices, banks, and schools close. Most businesses close or operate minimal hours. The streets are filled with the sounds of Christmas carols (caroling by children's groups, known as pangangaroling, begins in early December). The iconic parol (star-shaped lantern made of capiz shells and bamboo) hangs in virtually every Filipino home, illuminating streets with warm multi-colored light. Massive family reunions are the hallmark of the day, with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) timing home leave for Christmas. Malls close by late afternoon on Christmas Eve and reopen on December 25th for limited hours.
