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Noche Buena

midnight feast on Christmas Eve

noun NO-che BUE-na Spanish origin Common

Usage Note

Noche Buena is the traditional Filipino midnight meal shared by families on Christmas Eve (December 24), following the 'Misa de Gallo' or midnight Mass. The feast typically features ham, queso de bola (Edam cheese), fruit salad, and other holiday foods. It is one of the most cherished Filipino Christmas traditions and a major occasion for family reunion.

Examples

Beginner

" Masarap ang aming Noche Buena. "

Natural Translation

Our Noche Buena was delicious.

Literal Translation

Delicious the our Noche-Buena.

Intermediate

" Masaya ang aming Noche Buena kasama ang mga kamag-anak. "

Natural Translation

Our Noche Buena with relatives was joyful.

Literal Translation

Joyful the our Noche-Buena with the relatives.

Advanced

" Bagaman malayo kami sa isa't isa ngayong taon, nagtipon-tipon pa rin ang buong pamilya online para sa Noche Buena. "

Natural Translation

Even though we were far from one another this year, the whole family still gathered online for Noche Buena.

Literal Translation

Although far we from each-other this year, gathered-together still the whole family online for Noche-Buena.

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