a good night

Noche Buena. Simbang Gabi. Misa de Gallo. All are cherished Filipino Christmas holiday traditions we hold warmly in our hearts. 

Simbang Gabi is the night mass Filipinos attend mass either late at night or in the early morning hours. It is a series of masses held daily for all nine days before Christmas. The belief holds that attending all nine masses will grant ones wish.

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Simbang Gabi can also have a nine-day novena procession that is a reenactment of the nativity of Christ known as the Panunulúyan.

Misa de Gallo or the rooster's mass dates back to the 1600s and is still observed mostly by Spanish colonized and Roman Catholic practicing countries. In the Philippines has become an important cultural tradition.

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The mass is also called Misa de los Pastores (shepherds' mass) or Misa de Aguinaldos (gifts mass). In the past this was so Filipino farmers could attend mass and get their blessing before heading out to the fields. And where families gather on Christmas eve to share in the tradition of gift giving. 

The masses culminate on Christmas eve with a grand feast called the Noche Buena - a night of goodness. It is the climax of Christmas, when we gather together to share the year's abundant blessings. 

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Noche Buena is an important Filipino custom that brings two beloved blessings for Filipinos - food and family. With a festive feast spread out on Christmas eve - we get to share a meaningful Christmas together - celebrating the birth of the Christ child among us. 

A very happy Christmas 2023 to us all! 

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