Why is it that Cavintinians, regardless of the passport they carry abroad, continue to miss the traditional Christmas celebration in Cavinti? No matter what they do, or however well we enhance the holiday spirit here in our adoptive Motherland, nothing can still replace the activities and merrymaking during “Pasko sa Cavinti.”
The reason for this deep longing among us who are abroad is pretty obvious. It is because Christmas in Cavinti is unique. Its uniqueness cannot be experienced anywhere in the world.
Truly, Cavinti has a long Christmas season. As early as October, radio and television stations begin to air Christmas carols that the devout Cavintinians never seem to get tired of hearing and singing. Besides, even before December, Christmas decorations can be seen in many stores, schools and homes, complete with multi-colored lights and beautiful lanterns. These trimmings last until the Feast of The Three Kings on the first Sunday of January that is the last day of the Christmas season.
Being a predominantly Catholic community, Christmas officially commences on the 16th of December when the “Simbang Gabi” begins. It is said that this practice is exclusively Filipino. Akin to these early morning masses are food: “puto, kutsinta, suman, bibingka, puto bombong, arroz con caldo and pan de sal.” In addition to this list is the native delicacy, “kalamay” which can be found in every home during the :Noche Buena” and on Christmas day.
On Christmas Day, the children visit their godparents and relatives to pay them respect. They hold their hand, bring them to their forehead, saying “Mano po” or “Magandang Pasko po,” and wait for the elders to give them their blessings. In return for this gesture of respect, the children receive gifts or rewards, usually money.
The Yuletide is also a time for caroling. Caroling, Cavinti style, ranges from singing typical Christmas carols to beautifully arranged songs which are sung to the accompaniment of a guitar and/or other musical instruments or sometimes a band. These carolers expect to be given money by the owner of the house they serenaded.
Cavinti carolers come in several groups: the student organizations, members of socio-civic associations, the young ladies and gentlemen, the “Tatang-Nanang-agers” and the neighborhood kids who use improvised rattles made from cans and “tansans” to accompany their songs.
Then, there is the New Year to wait for. Another feast is in the making I every home, the Media Noche, a meal that is served at midnight of the New Year’s Eve. And oh, the noise: the ringing of the chimes, the honking of cars and jeeps going around the town to herald the coming of the New Year and the sound of firecrackers and other fireworks.
In the midst of these joyous activities and lavish preparations, it would be pretty good to say the Cavintinians never forget their moral and/or religious obligations. They go to church and observe faithfully the significance of the season.
All these events and occurrences are contributory to “There’s Still Nothing Like Pasko sa Cavinti.”
