New Year's Eve - Filipinos way

Filipinos consider New Year's Eve a time of celebration for the entire family. Most Filipinos also follow a traditional beliefs that if the family spends until of midnight together, then it will stay together for the entire year. 

New Year's Eve celebration in the Philippines is quite different compared to other countries. Filipinos will start the year with a bang. Just a few days before New Year's Eve, you can see lots of side walk vendors selling different kinds of paputok (firecrackers). We called it "watusi, triangle, sintoron ni hudas" and many others that only found in the Philippines. Despite of the yearly ban of firecrackers because of a number of accidents caused by it that resulted in the loss of lives, burnt of properties and many more, still many Filipinos see lighting of firecrackers as the traditional means to greet and celebrate the New Year's Eve.

Aside from lighting firecrackers and having fireworks displays, Filipinos have other beliefs and practices which are believed to bring good luck, fortune and prosperity in the New Year.

• The noise and the firecrackers are believe to take the evil spirit away and make the New Year blessed.
• You should put coins/money in your wallet and pocket so that next year will be prosperous.
• Some people believe that they need to pay off their debts in the hope that they will not get into debts throughout the year.

Around 12:20 a.m, the noise stops and the family gather together and starts to eat a thanksgiving feast called "Media Noche". It is believe that we should put as much food on the table so that next year you will have food all -year round. "Twelve round fruits" should be on the table as it is a sign of prosperity for the next twelve months. There is also a midnight mass celebration to welcome the New Year and to thank God for all His blessings.