Misa de Gallo

The Misa de Gallo, also known as the “Mass of the Rooster,” is a traditional Catholic midnight mass that is celebrated in Spain and many former Spanish colonies on Christmas Eve and sometimes in the days immediately preceding Christmas.

The origin of the name Misa de Gallo is uncertain, but there are several theories. One theory is that it refers to the fact that the mass is celebrated at midnight, when the roosters are crowing. Another theory is that it refers to the fact that the mass is often attended by peasants who bring their roosters to the church to be blessed.

The Misa de Gallo is a very important part of the Christmas tradition. In many Spanish-speaking countries, families gather together on Christmas Eve to celebrate the mass and then share a traditional Christmas dinner. The mass is typically very festive, with music, singing, and dancing.

In the Philippines, the Misa de Gallo is also known as Simbang Gabi. It is a nine-day series of dawn masses that begin on December 16th and end on December 24th. The masses are typically held at 4:00 AM, and they are very popular with Filipino Catholics. The Simbang Gabi is a time of great joy and celebration, and it is a way for Filipinos to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Misa de Gallo is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is a time to come together with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.