Christmas Eve, which is the night before Christmas Day, is celebrated in many countries worldwide. It is a Christian observance that falls on December 24th in the Gregorian calendar.
In the Philippines, Cavinti in particular in this write-up, majority of the Cavintinians go to church to attend the “misa de gallo” or midnight mass and to pay homage to the birth of Christ. The “misa de gallo” is the final mass of the nine subsequent early dawn masses. The church is filled to the brim that a lot of people hear the mass outside of the church. The pealing of the church bell signifies the time the Blessed Virgin Mary gave birth to the Son of God in a manger in the outskirts of Jerusalem more than 2000 years ago.
One of the traditions after the mass is for the churchgoers to kiss the statue of Baby Jesus as a sign of respect and homage to the newborn King of mankind.
‘Noche Buena’ occurs at every house after mass where families eat together which usually involves cured ham, ball of cheese, chicken salad or spaghetti and fruit salad or any dessert. However, these may be for those who can afford to buy these expensive foods. Native Filipino dishes are also served. The most popular are morcon, embutido, relyenong bangus, lumpia, pansit, and for those who can afford the “Lechon” ( roasted pig).
“Kalamay” or :hinalo” is a native delicay.
Even with harsh times, families gather around tables filled with traditional holiday foods and fruits.
There will be great rejoicing after the “Noche Buena” amidst a backdrop of multi-colored lights and holiday adornments around Christmas trees, under which are presents and gifts. These gifts will be opened by the respective recipients.
The joyful mode following the “Noche Buena” is expected to linger till the early morning hours of Christmas Day, when more families and friends are expected to visit and share their blessings in the spirit of the season because it is in giving and sharing that defines the joy only Christmas brings.
For every Cavintinian, rich or poor, Christmas is synonymous with our native kalamay or hinalo wrapped in talulo.