Celebrating New Year in the Philippines

In the Philippines, celebrating New Year is considered one of the most important holidays for the Filipinos. Various traditions have been practiced when colonizers and neighbouring countries influenced our Filipino ancestors.

It all starts every December 31^st or the New Years Eve which Filipino families gather together at home and celebrate a midnight meal called Media Noche. There will be lots and lots of food prepared in the dining table to share with. Filipinos never missed serving 12 different round and sweet fruits in the table. These fruits signify luck for the next twelve months for the family. The usual fruits are apples, oranges, melon, grapes, watermelons, chicos, peaches, guavas, etc. Some Filipino families sometimes serve 12 hard boiled eggs and noodles which they believed a symbol for long life.

One of the main highlights in celebrating New Year is the display of colourful and deafening variety of fireworks. As the clock strikes 12:00 midnight, everybody jumps, sings, dances, and makes noise to celebrate the New Year. The sky would be filled with colourful display of fireworks. These things are believed to be a symbol to drive away bad spirits. Also they wear polka dots dresses which symbolize money.

Some Filipinos celebrate their New Year together with their friends and neighbours. Other practices in some communities would hold a street dance or parade. They wear different kinds of costumes.

The celebration continues on January 1. No matter how the New Year is celebrated, what matters really most is the thought of happiness and togetherness in welcoming the New Year.