Introduction
The Philippines is a country known for its vibrant and colorful culture. One of the most anticipated celebrations in the country is the Christmas season. Filipinos celebrate this festivity with a lot of preparations, traditions, and customs. Along with the traditional celebrations, there are also unique and local customs that vary from region to region. One of these is the “An Pasko Mapit”, which is a traditional Christmas celebration in the province of Batangas.
What is An Pasko Mapit?
An Pasko Mapit is a traditional Christmas celebration in Batangas, a province located in the southern part of Luzon. It is a week-long event that starts on December 16th and culminates on the 24th with the traditional Noche Buena. “An Pasko Mapit” is a Batangueño term that means “Happy Christmas” in English. The celebration is a mixture of religious and cultural traditions, which reflect the Batangueño way of life and their devotion to their faith.
The Celebration of An Pasko Mapit
During the celebration of An Pasko Mapit, the towns of Batangas are decorated with colorful lights and lanterns. The streets are adorned with Christmas ornaments, and the sounds of Christmas carols fill the air. People also prepare special dishes like “bibingka” and “puto bumbong”, which are traditional Filipino rice cakes cooked in banana leaves. These delicacies are usually sold in the town plaza and are enjoyed by everyone.
The Religious Aspect of An Pasko Mapit
The religious aspect of An Pasko Mapit is also an essential part of the celebration. The Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is a significant event during the celebration. It is a nine-day novena of dawn masses that starts on December 16th and ends on the 24th. The masses are held in the early morning, usually around 4:00 or 5:00 am. It is believed that if you complete the nine-day novena, your wish will be granted.
The Cultural Aspect of An Pasko Mapit
Aside from the religious aspect, An Pasko Mapit also showcases the local culture of Batangas. One of the highlights of the celebration is the “Parada ng Lechon”, a parade of roasted pigs dressed in colorful costumes. The parade is accompanied by marching bands, street dancers, and local performers. The roasted pigs are later auctioned off, and the proceeds are used for the town’s improvement projects.
The Tradition of Gift-Giving
Another essential aspect of An Pasko Mapit is the tradition of gift-giving. Filipinos love to give gifts during the Christmas season. In Batangas, it is customary to give “pabitin,” a game where children try to grab candies or small toys hanging from a bamboo frame. Another tradition is the “Monito/Monita,” where people exchange gifts with their assigned person for several days leading up to Christmas.
The Importance of Family and Community
An Pasko Mapit is a celebration that emphasizes the importance of family and community. It is a time for families to come together and share their blessings. It is also a time for people to strengthen their bonds with their neighbors and friends. The celebration of An Pasko Mapit is an opportunity to spread joy and happiness to everyone.
The Significance of An Pasko Mapit
An Pasko Mapit is more than just a traditional Christmas celebration. It is a representation of the Batangueño culture and way of life. It is a reflection of their faith, their love for their family and community, and their resilience in the face of adversity. An Pasko Mapit is a celebration that reminds us of the importance of our traditions and the value of our cultural heritage.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, An Pasko Mapit is a unique and vibrant celebration in Batangas, Philippines. It is a week-long festivity that showcases the local culture and traditions of the Batangueños. The celebration emphasizes the importance of family, community, and faith. An Pasko Mapit is a reminder of the beauty of our culture and the significance of our traditions.