Paskong Pinoy: 6 things you usually see during 'Simbang Gabi'

MANILA, Philippines - On December 16, catholic churches will be filled up with people attending the nine dawn Masses, a Filipino Christmas tradition widely known as “Simbang Gabi."

Simbang Gabi, also known as Misa de Gallo is one of the oldest traditions that dates back to the Spanish Era. According to history, Filipino farmers then started to wake up as early as 3 a.m. to attend the Mass before proceeding to their daily farming task. For many Catholic devotees, it is considered as a novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is performed to attain special graces or wishes.

Today, the tradition continues as it has become an important gathering that strengthens relationships among family members who are attending the Masses.

Filipinos as we all know have an impressive way of making Christmas one of the best holidays in a year. Here are some of the scenes that make "Simbang Gabi" unlike any other:

Parol

"Simbang Gabi" is made more fun and festive by the streets that gleam with bright lights emanated by the parol, an ornamental, star-shaped Christmas lantern usually made from bamboo and paper.

Stock photo of parol

Nativity or Belen

Aside from putting up Christmas lights and parols, another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol that appears every Christmas is the belen—depicting the birth of Christ. In some churches, the scene where Mary and Joseph looks for the suitable birthplace of Jesus is reenacted.

Municipality of Victoria’s belen entry inspired by the Masskara Festival with colorful parols and native materials. Tarlac Heritage Foundation

Churches radiating with Christmas lights

Simbang Gabi is a way of thanksgiving and worship, which is why every Christmas, the churches light up in bright colors, signifying celebration and joyfulness.

Stock photo of church enveloped with Christmas lights.

Jampacked churches

There's something about the Christmas that makes everyone act like a morning person. Every Christmas, churches are filled to the rafters with people giving thanks for a successful year and praying for their wishes. Make sure to wake up early so you can find the best spot in the church!

Churchgoers attending ‘Simbang Gabi’ at Quiapo Church in Manila overflow into Plaza Miranda in this file photo.  Val Rodriguez

Street Vendors

Simbang Gabi is an opportunity for the vendors to earn profits and an opportunity for you to go for instant shopping spree/food hunt at wee hours of the morning.

As in every Christmas, sidewalk vendors selling what-nots will occupy the streets.

Puto bumbong, bibingka and other delicacies

Reward yourself with the best tasting Pinoy kakanin at the end of every Mass! Nothing says Christmas better than the whiff of delicious coconut.

Puto bumbong is traditionally served during  Noche Buena and New Year's Eve. Photo by Owyzzz/CC-BY-NC-SA