By Alyanna Gabas and Yra Suarin
Christmas is a season of joy, hope, and love celebrated around the globe in diverse ways.
While its origins lie in the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the holiday evolved into a festive and joyful celebration, blending religious and cultural traditions.
Like other parts of the Philippines, the Negros Oriental community celebrates the holiday season with a perfect blend of culture and tradition. Rooted in faith and community, Christmas here is not just a celebration, but a way of life that reflects its deep spirit and faith while harnessing unity.
From age-old practices to distinctly local touches, celebrating christmas with family and friends are even made more memorable due to the warmth shared within the region.
Local Festivities and Traditions
Simbang Gabi
As the holiday is rooted religiously, it has been a tradition for Catholics to complete the Nine Mornings, known as “Simbang Gabi” in Tagalog or “Misa de Aguinaldo” in Spanish
Negros Oriental churches like the Dumaguete Cathedral hold masses as early as 4:00 a.m. or as late as 7:00 a.m., starting on Dec. 16 and ending on Christmas eve.
As Negrense Catholics rise early to attend dawn masses, the churches of the region, too, rise, enriched with the soft glow of lanterns, the melodies of the choir, and the cool December morning air, making the tradition alive.
Filipino Delicacies
A Christmas morning in Negros Oriental is never complete without local delicacies or ‘kakanins’, especially those enjoyed after Simbang Gabi. Early morning masses would not be complete without Negrenses’ favorite treats: puto bumbong and bibingka, some of the rice-based dishes often enjoyed after church.
Puto bumbong is a purple sticky rice cake, traditionally steamed in bamboo tubes and served with butter, sugar, and grated coconut. Bibingka, on the other hand, is a soft, fluffy rice cake, usually topped with salted egg and cheese, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that complement the festive atmosphere of the season.
Families in Negros Oriental take pride in crafting these hearty treats, creating them with the warmth of home and flavors of tradition.
Christmas Decorations
Christmas wouldn’t be a festive event without the vibrant decorations.
In Negros Oriental, the “Parol” —a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern, representing the religious Star of Bethlehem that led the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ— are not just decorations. It is a symbol of hope, community, and resilience, reflecting the true spirit of the season.
This year, a highlight of the local festivities is the Dumaguete Community Christmas Tree Light Up 2024.
It is a much anticipated event with the centerpiece, a Christmas tree, made up of colorful stars, creating a stunning display of lights that symbolize hope and joy. Each star is carefully crafted and arranged, adding to the festive atmosphere and bringing the spirit of Christmas to life in the capital city of Negros Oriental.
Negros Oriental locals
For Negrenses, Christmas is not just about the lights, the decorations, or feasts. It is about the connections made within the season, and the traditions that are passed on.
One of the performers during the Dumaguete Community Christmas Tree Light Up 2024, Shannyn Morales, stated that participating in community events deeply influences her personal view of Christmas and its meaning.
“Being part of events like this makes me appreciate Christmas even more. It reminds me that Christmas is not just about gifts but connecting with others and spreading kindness,” she said.
While many of the traditions in Negros Oriental mirror those in the other parts of the Philippines, what sets this province apart is the deep love and pride Negrenses have for their home.
It is the love for their land, their culture, and their community, that makes Christmas in Negros Oriental truly special.
The traditions may be familiar to other places, but the warmth of home and the hearts of Negrenses that are poured to this season makes it a holiday unlike any other.
