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Christmas
Misa de Gallo / Midnight Mass (Latin America)
Also called: Mass of the Rooster
December 24 (fixed)
Catholic
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called "Misa de Gallo" ("Mass of the Rooster") in Spanish-speaking Catholic countries, as it traditionally began at midnight when roosters crowed. While Midnight Mass is observed globally by Catholics, in Latin American culture it carries particular festivity — families attend together and the Mass is followed by feasting and celebration.
In Brazil, the "Missa do Galo" is followed by the Christmas dinner (ceia). It usually falls on or around December 24 (fixed).
It is especially important in Catholic traditions. Browse Christian holidays — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- regional tradition
- Date type
- Fixed (same date every year)
- Regions
- Latin America, Philippines, Global
- Themes
- Birth of Christ
- Liturgical colour
- White, Gold
Common questions
Misa de Gallo is observed on December 24 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called "Misa de Gallo" ("Mass of the Rooster") in Spanish-speaking Catholic countries, as it traditionally began at midnight when roosters crowed. While Midnight Mass is observed globally by Catholics, in Latin American culture it carries particular festivity — families attend together and the Mass is followed by feasting and celebration. In Brazil, the "Missa do
It is associated with Catholic. It falls in the Christmas season of the liturgical year.