From Europe to Asia to the depths of Antarctica, here's how Christmas is celebrated in nine places around the world — and one place that orbits around the world.
"Like many Latin cultures, my family in the Philippines celebrates Nochebuena, which is a big celebration on the night of Christmas Eve," said Siena Klinzing, who is half-Filipino. "It involves getting together with family, having a big feast and sharing gifts."
Another important tradition is Simbang Gabi, which means "mass at night," where people wake up before dawn to attend mass for nine days from Dec. 16 to 24. It is believed that those who complete all nine days can ask for a blessing, Klinzing said.Though the official state religion of the UAE is Islam, Christmas is celebrated in some parts of the country.
Dubai has lighting ceremonies of large, elaborately decorated Christmas trees, like this one at the Al-Wasl Dome at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai.with Christmas trees that span multiple floors, according to Visit Dubai, the emirate's official tourism site. Dancers in costume participate in a traditional Christmas and New Year parade in Chilpancingo, a city in the Mexican state of Guerrero."Every night, people form a singing procession that is meant to represent Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem," saidThose processions typically culminate at someone's house, where everyone gathers for a party with food such as tamales, Christmas punch and candies, she said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rethinking your travel plans? If you go, experts have 4 pieces of adviceThe fast-moving omicron Covid-19 variant is upending travel plans around the world, but expert recommendations are different this Christmas than in 2020.
Read more »
Vogue's Most-Liked Instagram Posts of 2021A look inside VogueMagazine's most-liked Instagram post of 2021.
Read more »
I Hate Rushing From Place To Place On Christmas — So I Decided Not ToBetween work, school, extracurricular activities, and life, there is no other day that belongs to only me and my kids. I want Christmas.
Read more »
Mom Creates Elf On The Shelf In A Wheelchair For Her DaughterArizona mom Samantha Lackey decided to create an inclusive Elf on the Shelf after looking around and seeing a lack of representation for people with disabilities.
Read more »
Winter storm could bring 10 feet of snow and rare white Christmas to parts of U.S.A winter storm system could bring a rare white Christmas to parts of the U.S., with the possibility of snow piling up to 10 ft. high, National Weather Service says.
Read more »
I’m Dreaming Of A....Warm Christmas?Many people in the U.S. will have an unusually warm Christmas rather than dreams of a white one
Read more »