Christmas time in Cebu

Tuesday, 22nd May 2012

Christmas time in Cebu

Well, I may have been posting all about Christmas here in Cebu frequently now but this is the real deal right here. Today’s December 24 already and all I can here ever since I woke up this morning are the loud bangs of firecrackers from a distance and from our neighborhood, not to mention the smell of firecracker powder that seems has become nostalgic enough for me.

Actually, Christmas does not only remain to be on the month of December alone. After all, the months that end with “ber” are often considered to be an extension build-up to the holidays – take note, September to December – are actually those months you have to watch out when you’re here in the
Philippines. Why? Because whenever it hits that mark, people will come rushing into the malls already and you’re going to see a lot of promotions from malls like sales, rise of prices and everything else in between.

In addition to that, firecrackers are up-for-grabs, which is a sure thing that Christmas is fast approaching. Also, don’t be surprised if you get more than twice visits from carolers outside your house and singing the whole same Christmas songs like Jingle Bells, White Christmas, among others. Some of us would certainly become annoyed but the spirit of Christmas is, actually, still there of course.

Christmas time in Cebu not only celebrates on the 24^th or the 25^th alone, Cebuanos often celebrate it at the start of September whereas everyone in the
Philippines does it. Christmas decorations somewhat appear all of a sudden on the gardens, buildings, houses and even cranes on a construction compound (I saw one actually). The most famous of these decorations is the one in Fuente Osmena, which is the venue for the biggest Christmas tree in
Cebu.

Be that as it may,
Cebu celebrates Christmas with energy and intensity unmatched the world over. Adding up to the aura of sincere prayer and deep faith (highlighted with those nine mornings of going to mass), the approach of Christmas will bring Cebuanos into a wild party atmosphere which actually happens on the streets of
Cebu. Last time I went out during the evening of Christmas eve, there were already a lot of people on the streets partying with their weight of noche buena dishes like roasted pigs, barbecues, cakes and, of course – beer. Other than that, the usual parties held at clubs and other even-filled places are rampant in this time of the year.

Overall, these are just some of the highlights that make up Christmas time in
Cebu, the rest is up to every Cebuano on how they celebrate this special day in their homes. And to all of you who are reading this, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

24 Dec 07 | | Events