Even abroad, Pinoys try to keep the Simbang Gabi tradition alive

GMA NEWS December 18, 2012 4:00pm


One of the most popular Filipino traditions is the "Simbang Gabi" or the practice of attending nine-day Dawn Masses just before Christmas.

Even in some places abroad, Filipinos try to keep alive the Simbang Gabi tradition that begins every December 16 and ends on December 24.

In a report of Katrina Son for GMA Network's "24 Oras" newscast, the priest who presided over a Simbang Gabi in France noted, “Alam niyo yung Simbang Gabi ay unique attraction doon [sa Pilipinas]. [Ito ay] unique religious tradition ng mga Pinoy.”

After the Mass in France, just like in the Philippines, the Filipinos purchased delecacies like kakanin, pancit, and turon that were sold outside the church
The Simbang Gabi tradition began during the the Spanish colonial era of the Philippines.

Catholics attend the novena or nine-day series of Masses as a way of preparing for Christmas, considered as the Second Greatest Catholic feast.

Easter is the Catholic Church's Greatest Feast. While Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, Easter marks Jesus' resurrection and triumph over sin and death.

During the Spanish era in the Philippines, the practice of holding Dawn Masses evolved because farmers had to work early.

To give them an opportunity to attend Mass before going to the fields, Masses were held at dawn.

Simbang Gabi in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Catholic churches are overflowing with massgoers attending the Simbang Gabi, Son's report on "24 Oras" noted.

At the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, there were so many people that some massgoers had to stand outside the church while the Mass was going on.

To maintain peace and order in the vicinity of the church, the Manila police department deployed police officers and K-9 hounds near the crowded areas.

In other areas, "anticipated" Simbang Gabi Masses are being held in the evening instead of dawn. These nine-day Masses begin on the evening of December 15 and and on the evening of December 23.

After an evening Mass at the Rizal Park in Manila, Mass presider Father Maximo Villanueva Jr. said, “Ginawa itong siyam sa pagkat symbolical yung siyam na buwan na pagdadala ng birhen kay Hesus.”- VVP, GMA News