About this Holiday
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, observed on December 8th, celebrates the Roman Catholic dogma that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from original sin from the very first moment of her existence. This feast holds special significance in the Philippines — one of the most predominantly Catholic nations in Asia — where it is marked with masses, processions, and Marian devotions. The date also traditionally marks the start of the Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi) season, nine pre-dawn masses celebrated until Christmas Eve.