Christmas: A Merging of Traditions

Christmas season in the Philippines lasts for six weeks, starting with four Sundays of Advent before Christmas Day until the Epiphany or Three Kings Day, celebrated on January 6. One tradition is the Misa de Gallo (called Mass of the Rooster because the mass is held at daybreak when the cock crows), held nine days before Christmas. Noche Buena is the most special Christmas feast. After midnight mass on Christmas Eve, the hungry mass-goers (people normally fast before going to mass) are greeted by hordes of street vendors outside the church selling puto bumbong, bibingka, and hot salabat.