simbang

Simbang, commonly referred to as Simbang Gabi, is a Filipino Catholic tradition consisting of nine consecutive Masses celebrated during the Advent season, traditionally at dawn and often held from December 16 to December 24. The practice culminates with the Christmas Eve Mass, which in some places is called the Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster) or Misa de Aguinaldo. The term Simbang Gabi comes from the Tagalog words simbang (attend worship or Mass) and gabi (night), reflecting the historical pre-dawn schedule, though some communities now hold the Masses in the evening or at different times.

Practice and customs vary by locality but share core elements. Devotees attend the nine Masses, sometimes fasting or observing special preparations as a form of spiritual discipline in anticipation of Christmas. After Masses, families and communities often gather for festive foods such as bibingka (a rice cake) and puto bumbong, along with hot drinks like salabat. In many parishes, additional devotional activities accompany the Masses, including carols, processions, and, in some areas, the Panunuluyan, a nativity play reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging.

Significance and reach: Simbang Gabi is a prominent expression of Filipino Catholic devotion and community life during the Christmas season. It serves as a spiritual preparation for Christmas and often fosters social solidarity through charitable activities and communal celebration. While rooted in the Philippines, the tradition has been carried abroad by Filipino Catholic communities and adapted to local church schedules and languages while preserving its distinctive nine-mass sequence and festive atmosphere.