Dawn Mass in Manila marks countdown to Christmas

Churchgoers in Manila marked the official countdown to Christmas on Friday with the start of a series of Dawn Masses which culminate on Christmas Eve.

In 2019 to 2020 the Dawn Masses, known locally as Simbang Gabi, were held virtually due to lockdown restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is said that the practice was started by farmers centuries ago, who wanted to hear these Christmas preparatory Masses before tending to their field all day. Christmas is considered to be the most important and joyous occasion for this Catholic nation.