In the Philippines, what are the nine-day dawn masses before Christmas called?

In the Philippines, the nine-day dawn Masses before Christmas are called Simbang Gabi.

The Filipino phrase means “night worship” or “night Mass,” even though the services traditionally take place before sunrise. The novena runs from December 16 through December 24, with many Masses beginning around 3:00 to 5:00 a.m. Churches may also offer anticipated evening services from December 15 through December 23 so more people can participate.

The custom developed during the Spanish colonial period. It is commonly dated to the 17th century and is often explained as a practical arrangement for agricultural workers: farmers could attend Mass before leaving for the fields. Over time, the religious observance became one of the Philippines’ most distinctive Christmas traditions.

After Mass, worshippers often buy bibingka and puto bumbong, rice-based Christmas delicacies, along with hot chocolate or ginger tea. Parol lanterns are strongly associated with the novena because they once helped light the way to church.

Misa de Gallo is a common mix-up. It can refer to the final Christmas Eve Mass, but the full nine-day observance is Simbang Gabi. Noche Buena is the family feast, not the Mass.