Rome: For Filipinos around the world, Christmas is more than a holiday-it is a season woven with tradition, community, and the comforting feeling of home. This spirit came alive in Rome as hundreds of Filipinos gathered for the inaugural 'Paskong Pinoy sa Roma' on Dec. 14 at Via Trequanda 12 here, an event organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy (PCCI).

According to Philippines News Agency, the festive marketplace transformed the venue into a vibrant Filipino Christmas village, offering a wide selection of goods-from local food favorites and accessories to holiday gift items and artisanal products. Attendees enjoyed a full line-up of activities such as photo sessions with Santa, a soulful performance by the Vocals Avenue, and a lively Talent Exhibition and Booth Competition, showcasing the creativity and pride of various Filipino groups.

PCCI founding Chairman Dennis Carrasco and President Pol Reyes expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Filipino community in Rome, sharing their optimism for an even larger celebration in the coming years. They said the PCCI is working toward the importation of authentic Philippine mangoes and saging (banana), a product increasingly in demand among Filipino and international consumers in Italy.

Philippine Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial lauded the organizer for bringing the Filipino style of celebrating Christmas in Italy. 'It's very inspiring to see that our Christmas culture and spirit dinala dito sa Roma para makita ng 3rd and 4th generations (were brought here in Rome for the third and fourth generations to see). It's something that we need to share with the Italians at sa mga kaibigan na malayo sa pamilya (and for friends away from their families),' Imperial said.

His words resonated deeply with the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), often hailed as modern-day heroes for their resilience and sacrifices despite challenges and distance from their families. Various Filipino communities and organizations also took part in the 'Paskong Pinoy sa Roma' celebration, creating a multi-generational gathering reminiscent of Christmas back home.

Known for having the longest Christmas season in the world, Filipinos traditionally begin celebration as early as September by hanging parols (lanterns) to light up homes and playing Christmas songs.