Noche Buena – Christmas Filipino Tradition

The world’s longest Christmas season is now held by the Philippines. Malls begin playing Christmas music and selling Christmas decorations and gifts as the first “ber” month (September) starts. It’s always funny to see Christmas trees and Halloween costumes for sale together, but that’s just how it is.

Traditional Christmas fare also starts to appear in supermarkets and grocery stores. The freezers and shelves begin to fill with ham and eden cheese. The local tablea, a ball of ground cacao beans, is used to make the hot chocolate. A typical Filipino chocolate drink is made by heating it and adding water.

Why Noche Buena Began

Even though Christmas in the Philippines often reflects a variety of foreign influences, the traditional Christmas Eve feast that we now observe has its roots in Spain, hence the name Noche Buena, which literally translates to “night of goodness.”

In the nine days leading up to Christmas Eve, Filipinos attend early-morning liturgies called Simbang Gabi, which is Tagalog for “Night Worship” or “Night Mass.” In Spanish, it is referred to as Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Cock or Rooster). It’s quite early in the morning when roosters crow, and this time of year, the masses begin at 4:00.

See post about Simbang gabi

Most Filipinos like it to have some decorative tables for Noche Buena. Visit Pinterest for useful and awesome products for your table!