Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. As early as September, homes can be seen with bright lights even from afar. The time of the year where households are equipped with Christmas light, Christmas tree, parols and many more decorations accompanied by laughter of joy. The evident excitement of setting up trees and decorations that holds memories, witnessing reflection of those exchanged smiles. Celebrating it with our loved ones really makes it feel warm and joyful. For me preparing food, dressing up, meeting friends and family as well as exchanging gifts really makes Christmas memorable.

Bigueños are not that different all they want is to celebrate Christmas as jolly as they can. Just like anyone all they want to do is to celebrate and be happy in welcoming their savior and receiving forgiveness. Many Christian seek forgiveness on this and the best way for it is attending mass, asking for forgiveness, thanking god and worship with all their heart. My most memorable Christmas season will be last year’s. Every time I remember those times where my sister and friends wake and freshen up early to not be late for the early mass, never fails to put a smile on my face. Consecutive days of going out with friends, just being myself, having fun and being care free. This way of celebrating or preparing for our savior’s birth really is a very calm and special event to many people’s life. It also strengthens our faith and bond not only with God but also with our family and friends. Walking to Vigan Cathedral and walking back home is one of the best feelings and it always amazes me with all the fun memories we share together. My family’s tradition during Christmas season is attending mas and roaming around Viga, waiting for the sun to rise. For us that small sacrifice of waking up, preparing ourselves, and attending the mass is what makes it special.

Simbang Gabi or Night Mass also called Misa de Aguinaldo ("gift mass"), is the Filipino version of the Misa de Gallo. It traditionally begins on December 16 and ends on December 24. Simbang Gabi in the Philippines is held daily from December 16 to 24, and occur at different times ranging from as early as 03:00 a.m. to 05:00 a.m.. On the last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, the service is instead called Misa de Gallo (Spanish for "Rooster's Mass"). It has an important role in Philippine culture. In most parts of the Philippines. Simbang Gabi is associated with a nine-day novena procession, as well as a reenactment of the search for lodgings by Joseph and the pregnant Virgin Mary known as the Panunulúyan

Despite the pandemic Christmas in the city is still celebrated extra special. The night is bright with the decorations, lights, and parols. The gigantic decorations of the Ilocos Sur capitol with switching themes every year which is anticipated by its people and tourist to take photos. Even the trees surrounding the plaza is also decorated with lights bringing you joy, that shouts “the most awaited time of the year!” Christmas festivities and activities are still kicking making sure that we can still enjoy Christmas the best we can, showcasing the creativity, artistry and treasured culture of Bigueños.

Visiting this historical city during Christmas season is very ideal. Vigan is known for many things but watching the city light up in the dark on Christmas season is a very refreshing experience. Our country is known to celebrate the world’s longest Christmas season. We can agree that no one celebrates Christmas better than us Filipinos. We all celebrate it differently in our unique ways specially in this time of crisis. For me nothing much changed aside from the mandatory facemask and maintaining distance to one another. We were able to do our tradition of attending the mass early in the morning. Today’s situation proved that even we are going through a very hard obstacle we can still smile and keep our spirit alive. We should never forget the real reason why we are celebrating this special day, where we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Sources:
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