How is food celebrated on special occasions in the Philippines?
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands divided into three main regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. With a population that is 92.6 percent Christian, major Christian holidays are celebrated with festivals and traditional foods. Public holidays are also a reason for families to gather together and serve huge buffet meals.ChristmasFilipino Christmas celebrations begin formally on December 16 with a series of early-morning masses and continue through the Feast of the Three Kings on the first Sunday in January. Lechon (suckling pig), kare-kare (oxtail, beef and tripe in peanut sauce), arroz caldo (chicken and rice soup) and banana fritters are all traditionally on the menu. Families celebrate buffet-style, with as many as 20 dishes for gathered family members.New Year’s EveFoods served on New Year’s Eve all have special significance. Pancit (noodles) signify a long life, while dishes made with malagkit (sticky rice) will help good luck “stick” around all year. People collect 12 diffe
