Bigueños method to Commemorate the Christmas Season!

Unlike Christmas in most Western countries, the Filipino Christmas is more centered on Jesus than on Santa Claus. In fact, they have Misa de Gallo, a nine day-long series of masses that commence on Christmas eve.A Christmas nativity scene decoration is also common in Filipino households. Filipinos welcome the season uniquely with different flavors and traditions that make thisextra special.It is also a celebration of Christ's birth and God's unspeakable gift to the world.And that celebration helps to shape the traditions that keep each family connected in a special way during this season of joy It is always a wonderful time that brings our family together as we reach out to others.

Stalls selling Christmas decorations and fireworks begin to line the street. In some households, Christmas decorations are already hung up this early.The most common of which is the “parol,” a star-shaped Christmas lantern made of wood and paper, or metal and a shell called capiz usually used for window panes.Another Christmas tradition that starts early for Filipinos is Christmas caroling.Similar to trick-or-treating, Filipino children go from house-to-house to sing Christmas carols in exchange for some coins, otherwise known as “aguinaldo.” They usually sing with make-shift instruments like tambourines made from metal bottlecaps, maracas made out of bottles filled with coins, and drums from empty cannisters.Some establishments also offer early Christmas sales and discounts. Filipino shoppers usually stock up on groceries for their Christmas midnight feast Noche Buena months before to avoid the Christmas rush.Some even start their gift shopping as early as September.

Bigueños are also Filipinos.Now that pandemic has come to the picture.How does people from Vigan City celebrate Christmas?

Regardless of all the odds caused by the pandemic, the Christmas vibes in the Heritage City continuous as the annual Artes Ita Paskua of the City Government of Vigan.We all know that Heritage Village is stunning as it is. However for the Christmas celebration,they put a LED light on it that makes it 10× better.It has different color effects.Moreover, they allow the citizens to go to church for the Simbang Gabi but needed to follow the given protocols.They also put an colorful and elegant designed to the municipality.The giant, glittering Christmas Tree illuminates hope and positivity to every Bigueño and Ilocano especially this time of pandemic.The Conservation center, San Julian Vigan City was decorated by the officials by making a different Christmas designs like Christmas tree and a rides or playing station that was convenient for the little kids.They make it very colorful, lively and clear that you can feel the spirt of Christmas.

During Christmas holiday,the City government of Vigan choose to temporarily relaxed its restrictions, letting the Bigueos to visit several tourist attractions.There were a lot of Activities and games that ensue but it was done through virtually since it was prohibited and limited for safety of everyone.Some government officials went to every Brgy to give an simple gifts and programs for every family and makes the children satisfied and happy.There are still some who continued the habitual culture every Christmas and that is Caloring.

Bigueños are known for their fortitude, having celebrated Christmas in the face of storms and even the pandemic.They did it in the most softest, simplest and elegant way they can.Their creativity, cleverness and fashionable ideas makes the Christmas Season indelible.

REFERENCE:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=202099578802934&id=100070086798569

https://www.homeschoolacademy.com/blog/the-importance-of-christmas-traditions/

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/here-is-why-the-philippines-celebrate-the-worlds-longest-christmas-season-062426338.html?