Lifestyle & Culture

Why the Philippines is the Christmas Capital of the World

In a planet of 8 billion people, with so many celebrating these holidays, there can only be one true Christmas capital of the world. And with our lengthy holiday season, and intense ways to celebrate, the Philippines lays claim to that crown.

From our gift-giving to our sumptuous seasonal food, to our religious practices and state-sponsored decorations, these islands celebrate like no other!

Christmas Traditions in the Philippines

1. Christmas starts in the -ber months

The Philippines celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world. No joke, if you look up “longest Christmas celebration,” the Philippines will come up atop search results.

While the Yuletide season starts in December for most countries, in the Christmas capital of the world, our festivities begin as soon as September comes. Decorations start going up in some houses, carols start playing from shopping mall sound systems, and more.

There really is no textbook explanation for this tradition. Maybe we’re just addicted to the merry mood that comes with it. This is definitely unique to Filipinos!

2. Everyone has a Belen

Nativity scenes, often known as the Belen, are only displayed in churches or other religious locations in most countries. However, in the Philippines, it can be found almost anywhere! During the holiday season, nearly every Filipino household will have one set up.

A complete package of a Belen is comprised of baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the Three Kings. And if you can manage, every barn animal available. Some schools and barangays even make a competition out of it. Completely normal stuff in the Christmas capital of the world.

Christmas Traditions in the Philippines

3. We can’t miss a Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi basically means “night mass.” For the nine days leading up to Christmas, Filipinos attend the night mass either late at night or very early in the morning. We attempt to attend all 9 masses as a religious tradition, and it’s believed that by doing so, you may be granted a wish. Isn’t that just the most colorful, Filipino thing – mixing religious practice with superstitious beliefs!

To go with the merry season, churches are adorned with decorations to add that extra Christmas sparkle. After the mass, you can buy bibingka or puto bumbong from the vendors outside. A classic multi-sensory memory of many who grew up in the Philippines: dressed in your new clothes, partaking in post-simbang gabi chatter, the aroma of Christmas confections in the cool December air, interrupted only by the occasional Roman candle bursting in the distance. Good times.

RELATED: 6 Ways to Have a Mindful Filipino Christmas

4. Caroling is very much a thing

In most countries, Christmas caroling entails a full-fledged production. It involves excellent singers, synchronized clothes, instruments, and well-rehearsed tunes. But in the Christmas capital of the world, we simply like to have fun with it.

You’ll rarely catch kids with lyric books and Christmas costumes. Instead, we improvise with instruments and made-up lyrics. Jingle bells or “jinggom” bells, we don’t really care as long as we get the melody right. It’s one of our Christmas traditions that makes us even more unique than other cultures.

And of course, who can forget the customary yelp of “patawad!” for the undeserving carolers? It’s all about the effort!

Christmas Traditions in the Philippines
Ayala Avenue, Christmas 2021

5. We are Parol-crazy

Big ones, small ones, in all colors you can imagine. We love our Christmas lanterns. The ubiquitous symbol of a Paskong Pinoy is the parol, and nearly every house and public structure will have it during Christmastime.

And in the province of Pampanga, they take their parol game up a notch. The town of San Fernando is nicknamed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” for its parol festival. This is where local talented craftsmen take pride in showcasing their expertise in creating complex lanterns in their annual Giant Lantern Festival. A tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, the Giant Lantern Festival is hosted on the second week of December.

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Sure, our Yuletide celebration may not involve making snow angels or being bundled up in thick coats and scarves. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to have a good time! Our unique traditions are testament to our claim of being the Christmas capital of the world. As long as we continue to be creative, spend these holidays with our loved ones, and never forget our reasons for celebrating, then we’ll continue to love this season for many years to come. It’s simply the Filipino way!

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