A Filipino Christmas celebration recreating the traditions of “Simbang Gabi” is coming to Scarborough at the end of the month. And you can expect to eat and drink authentic treats, shop for Christmas gifts and join in all the festivities they have to offer.

Starting on November 25 and into December 4, Pinoy Christmas Night Market will transform the STC parking lot into the traditional event, “Simbang Gabi”.

Simbang Gabi or the “Mass of the Rooster” is a nine-day series of Masses for Catholics, in anticipation of Christmas. According to the website Holidappy, the tradition begins on December 16th and ends at midnight on December 24th. This is when a midnight mass is held.

“In the olden days, the church bells started ringing as early as three o’clock, waking people up so they could get ready for the four o’clock dawn mass. The Roman Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass,” notes the site.

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According to organizers, today families go to church as early as 4:00 AM for an hour-long mass and then are treated to traditional eats like bibingka and puto bumbong which are sold in stalls outside the church.

Pinoy Christmas Night Market is making the effort to recreate “Simbang Gabi” for Filipino Canadians and all to get a feel of how it’s celebrated back home.

Though there won’t be a mass, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the fun-filled activities during the night market.

Not only will you sip on the sweetest hot chocolate and Filipino dishes, you will also have the chance to shop for some goodies, song along to Christmas carols, and even jump on some karaoke.

Bring your friends and family because this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Pinoy Christmas Night Market

When: November 25 – 27, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: 500 Progress Avenue, Scarborough