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How Cebuanas Practice Filipino Christmas Traditions

The shining star on top of a Christmas tree
Many Filipino Christmas traditions aren't complete without a brightly lit Christmas tree.

The Christmas season in the Philippines is famous for being the longest in the world, with celebrations starting as early as September.

If you are planning a holiday with a Cebuana or visiting the city of Cebu to meet new people, you should learn about the different Filipino Christmas traditions that are celebrated each year, so you have an idea of what to expect.

What Are the Filipino Traditions in Christmas?

Spending Christmas with a Cebuana means adhering to deeply rooted Filipino customs. When it comes to Christmas, these traditions are often centered on faith, family bonding, and food.

1. Simbang Gabi: The Nine Dawn Masses

Since the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, the Simbang Gabi (or "Night Mass") is religiously practiced by most of the populace.

Here is what you need to know about this tradition:

  • In anticipation of Christmas Day, people wake up at dawn to attend nine consecutive days of masses.
  • Those who complete the nine days are believed to have the opportunity to make one wish that will be granted.
  • After the mass, Filipinos typically buy a cup of hot chocolate (sikwate) and sticky rice balls (puto).

2. Noche Buena: The Christmas Eve Feast

Noche Buena is a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition where family members gather for dinner and partake in a hearty feast.

  • The celebration officially takes place at midnight on December 25.
  • The feast includes numerous delicious dishes such as pancit, queso de bola, lumpia, lechon, and holiday ham.
  • Preparing Noche Buena together as a family promotes the spirit of togetherness, which many Filipinos find comfort in.

3. Manito-Manita Gift Exchange

Two people exchanging Christmas gifts
Gift giving is a Christmas tradition that many women from Cebu participate in.

Filipinos put a unique twist on exchanging gifts that is similar to Secret Santa.

  • The person receiving the gift is called a manito (if male) or manita (if female).
  • It is a popular tradition in schools and workplaces.
  • Participants pick a name from a ballot and buy a present based on that person's wishlist.
  • During the exchange, they sing “I Love My Manita/Manito Yes I Do” and describe their manito or manita so everyone can guess who it is.

How Women from Cebu Celebrate the Holidays

Beyond the usual Filipino Christmas traditions, Cebuanas also have customs that are unique to people in their religion.

Karaoke Parties

How do most Cebuanas celebrate Christmas? By singing at the top of their lungs!

Singing is a common Filipino pastime, and Cebuanos, in particular, are famous for being skilled musicians and vocalists. Since Christmas is also a time for families to come together and host large parties, many families in Cebu rent karaoke machines and sing to their heart's content.

Colon Street Night Market

The Christmas season is also when the Colon Street Night Market opens, offering a place for Cebuanos to enjoy good food and purchase gifts for their loved ones.

  • It is a great place for finding Christmas presents on sale.
  • Visitors can taste a wide variety of Filipino street foods and delicacies.
  • If you are looking for a place to have a cute date night with your Cebuana girlfriend, this market is highly recommended.

The Christmas Culmination

If you think the celebrations end on Christmas Day, you’d be wrong.

Filipino Christmas traditions don’t conclude until the first Sunday of January, known as the Feast of the Three Kings. This means people in the Philippines celebrate Christmas for over four months.

This extended merrymaking highlights the Filipino’s penchant for spreading love and joy, something that is linked to deep, family-centric values inherent in Filipino culture.

If you really want to connect with a woman from Cebu, you should take the time to understand her culture and join celebrations that are important to her community.

Filipino Christmas is one such celebration that you need to experience yourself to truly appreciate. You can look forward to tasting mouthwatering food, joining local events, and experiencing the brightest holiday you will ever have among Cebuanos.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Filipino Christmas celebrations officially begin?

Filipino Christmas celebrations are famous for being the world's longest, officially starting as early as September. The culmination is on the first Sunday of January with the Feast of the Three Kings.

What is the significance of Simbang Gabi?

Simbang Gabi, or the nine dawn masses, is a religious practice in anticipation of Christmas Day. Completing all nine masses is believed to grant the participant one wish guaranteed to come true.

What special food is eaten after dawn mass?

After Simbang Gabi, attendees often buy warm treats. These usually include a hot cup of sikwate (hot chocolate) paired with puto (sticky rice balls).

What is a Manito-Manita gift exchange?

Manito-Manita is the Filipino version of a Secret Santa gift exchange, popular in schools and offices. Participants sing a song and describe the recipient for others to guess the identity of their manito or manita.

What are Noche Buena dinner items?

The Noche Buena feast at midnight on December 25th typically features dishes like lechon, pancit, lumpia, holiday ham, and queso de bola.

Where can Cebuanas buy Christmas gifts?

The Colon Street Night Market opens during the Christmas season and is a popular place for Cebuanos to buy affordable gifts on sale and enjoy various Filipino street foods and delicacies.

Do Cebuanas have unique ways to celebrate Christmas?

Yes. In addition to national traditions, many Cebuano families celebrate with large karaoke parties at home. Cebuanos are known for their love of singing and vocal talent.