Hispanic Community Celebrations

Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe 

On December 12, Catholics around the world honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531 near Mexico City. Millions make pilgrimages to the basilica in Mexico City, which was named in her honor, making it the most visited Catholic church after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.  

Locally, celebrations include Las Mañanitas, an early-morning serenade to Mary often accompanied by mariachi music, along with special Masses, processions, and reenactments of the apparition. Participants bring flowers, prayers, and devotionals, expressing a deep love for the Mother of God.

Las Posadas 

This nine-night tradition leading up to Christmas Eve (December 24), brings the Nativity story to life through prayer, song, and community. Each evening, two individuals dressed as Mary and Joseph, along with other parishioners, visit homes, singing and praying until “innkeepers” open their doors in welcome. The procession often ends at a church, where festivities continue with food, prayer, and the breaking of a piñata. 

More than cultural, Las Posadas is a spiritual pilgrimage that opens hearts to Christ and community. It is a time of light, warmth, and togetherness, beautifully blending faith and tradition. 

Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) 

On January 6, families celebrate Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day), also known as the Epiphany of Our Lord. This celebration originated in Spain and spread to Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean and has since become an integral part of the Christmas season. 

Children eagerly look forward to receiving gifts in remembrance of the Magi’s offerings. A highlight of the celebration is the rosca de reyes, a round bread symbolizing God’s infinite love, adorned with sweets representing the Magi’s crowns. Hidden inside are small figurines representing the infant Jesus. Those who find the figurine host a gathering with traditional tamales on Día de la Candelaria, or Candlemas (Feast of the Presentation of the Lord), February 2.  

Filipino Community Celebrations  

Simbang Gabi 

For over a decade, the Filipino community of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg has joyfully embraced Simbang Gabi, a novena of dawn or evening Masses held December 15-23. Each night, a different parish hosts the celebration, with Filipino choirs, traditional attire, cultural symbols such as the parol (star lantern), and festive hospitality. The novena honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and invites the faithful to walk with her in hope as she awaits the coming of the Christ Child.  

After Mass, families share traditional dishes like puto bumbong, bibingka, and pancit. Simbang Gabi extends the joy of the Eucharist into fellowship and welcomes parishioners of every background. Now entering its 13th year locally, this tradition continues to shine as a gift of Filipino faith.  

Feast of Santo Niño (Sinulog Festival) 

For nearly 40 years, St. Paul Catholic Church, in Tampa has hosted the Feast of Santo Niño every January. Centered on devotion to the Child Jesus, the celebration includes a novena, followed by a grand procession featuring colorful banners and statues, and a vibrant Mass. 

Cultural Sinulog dances and music fill the church grounds, drawing all ages into prayer and festivity. The feast has become a spiritual anchor for Filipino Catholics and a point of welcome for newcomers. Parishioners of all backgrounds join in, making it a powerful moment of communal worship and thanksgiving.

Vietnamese Community Celebrations

Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Congress

Each year, the Vietnamese Catholic community gathers in late November for a weekend honoring the 117 canonized Vietnamese martyrs. Hosted by Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Catholic Church, the three-day event includes Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and a Eucharistic procession. Workshops, youth activities, and a dramatization of Our Lady’s apparition at La Vang highlight the richness of Vietnamese Catholic spirituality. Cultural performances, music, and traditional food further enrich the experience, which prepares the faithful spiritually for Advent. 

The witness of the martyrs inspires courage and hope, reminding the faithful that Christ’s light conquers darkness.  

Cultural Crèche Traditions

Another treasured expression of faith during Advent and Christmas is the tradition of the nativity set, or crèche. These scenes serve as visual reminders of God’s gift of His Son and invite families into the mystery of the Incarnation.  

In Hispanic homes, elaborate displays may include entire villages, with the infant Jesus placed in the manger on Christmas Eve. Italians treasure the presepio, passing on hand-crafted figurines through generations. Filipinos prepare the belen in churches and homes, often illuminated with star-shaped lanterns.

For many, setting up the nativity is a family ritual, with parents and children arranging figurines while sharing the Gospel story. Whether simple or ornate, these scenes are gifts of faith and culture that unite believers across traditions.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is blessed by the rich diversity of its parish communities. Through traditional celebrations such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Simbang Gabi, and the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Congress, the faithful experience the universality of the Church.  

All are warmly invited to attend these multicultural events celebrated throughout the Diocese. By joining together, we not only honor cultural traditions but also share in the greatest gift of all — Christ, Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Get Involved in Intercultural Celebrations!

Discover the beauty of our diverse Catholic community by participating in cultural liturgies and celebrations throughout the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Here are some easy ways to get started:

Connect with Us

Call the Intercultural Ministries Office (727) 344-1611 ext. 5472 to learn how you can participate, help coordinate, or find out about upcoming events.

Explore Local Celebrations

Visit our website www.dosp.org/intercultural to find parishes that host beloved cultural traditions such as Las Posadas, Simbang Gabi, the Feast of Santo Niño, Vietnamese celebrations, and more!

Join a Ministry

Be part of your parish’s Filipino Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, or another cultural group. Volunteer your gifts in liturgy, music, hospitality, decorations, or translation—there’s a place for everyone!

Celebrate Together

Attend or volunteer at diocesan-wide events like the Annual Hispanic Mass and experience the richness of our Catholic faith expressed across cultures.

Find a Multilingual Mass

Looking for a Mass in your language? Visit the diocesan Mass in Other Languages directory at www.dosp.org/chancellor/directory for a filterable list of parishes.