The Philippines is a world-renowned country that celebrates Christmas longer than any other country and makes one holiday a cultural season that lasts almost four months. Since the period of the ber months in September, malls, houses, and streets are crowded with festive lights, carols, and ornaments. Christmas in the Philippines is not a holiday that only celebrates religion alone, but also strong family relationships, community, and centuries of traditions. It is also not a Western event tied down to late December but rather a celebration of generosity, faith, and togetherness to an extent that extends deep into the New Year, which makes it a very special phenomenon in the world.
5 Reasons Why Christmas in the Philippines Takes Too Long
The Tradition of the Ber Months (September to December).
The Filipinos begin their Christmas celebrations immediately after September comes. After the calendar switches on September 1, carols are played by radio stations, malls get decorated, and the gift planning commences. This premature beginning characterizes the Philippines’ Christmas season and makes it completely unlike the world standards.
Deep Catholic Influence
Christmas is very deeply religious because more than 80 percent of the population is Catholic. Such traditions as Simbang Gabi, a set of nine masses before daylight, help to support the reason why the Christmas season in the Philippines is not just a day but a long one.
Effective Family-Centered Culture
The most significant time in the country when there is a family reunion is Christmas. The time of the year when Overseas Filipino Workers usually schedule their annual homecoming is during this period, which extends from December to the beginning of January. The Christmas season in the Philippines is emotionally and culturally expansive due to family get-togethers.
Party and Festival
Religious Celebrations
Competitions are between neighborhoods in order to produce the most extravagant light displays, huge lanterns (parols), and decorations along the street. Other cities such as San Fernando even have lantern festivals so that the Philippines Christmas season can be seen as glamorous and sociable months long.
The Holiday Season Lasts until January
Contrary to most places that have Christmases that conclude on December 25, Filipinos celebrate until the New Year and usually until January on the Feast of the Black Nazareno. The festival calendar itself, which is long, entrenches the Philippines’ Christmas season as the longest globally.
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