The official Christmas celebrations in the Philippines begin on December 16 when people start attending church services at 9am and end on December 25, the official Christmas day worldwide. However, Christmas decorations and carols appear in stores from September and are removed on the first Sunday of January the following year. The Christmas atmosphere in the Philippines lasts for 5 months. That is why this country is known as the country with the longest Christmas in Asia.
Christmas related goods have been sold in abundance in the stores.
You will see traditional bamboo and paper star-shaped lanterns called “paróls” everywhere during Christmas in the Philippines. The lanterns depict the Star of Bethlehem and evoke feelings of goodwill and hope for the people here.
Lanterns are everywhere on the streets.
From the streets to the shopping centers, everything is sparkling with lights. People are busy preparing for the biggest holiday of the year.
Christmas atmosphere at major restaurants
The Christmas atmosphere in the Philippines has many similarities with that of Western countries. All over the country are ancient churches built during the Spanish colonial period.
Christmas is decorated with magical sparkles
Big parties called Noche Buena take place at midnight on Christmas Eve after church, and families hold a big celebration, staying up all night with food and drink. Typical dishes include lechon (roasted pig), kare-kare (oxtail stew), embutido (meatloaf), spaghetti, and pata cristal (fried trotters).
Most parties have a lot of meat.
With the inherent characteristics of this country at Christmas, the Philippines promises to be an extremely interesting destination for tourists this winter.
