All Saints' Day in the Philippines

Cemetery visits

Since All Saints’ Day is a special non-working holiday, most of the Filipinos are given a day off. Majority of the Filipino Catholics spend this day by visiting the cemeteries. Flowers are brought, candles are lighted, and prayers are offered. The gravestones are also cleaned up and decorated with flowers or even food.

Cemeteries across the country are expected to get crowded as most families visit their deceased relatives on this day. Some even visit the cemetery a day before the holiday. Almost all graves are seen having fresh flowers and lit candles on them. Lighting candles at their altars at home as well as at the graves of the deceased is an established practice in the Philippines.

Offer Prayers

Filipinos traditionally offer prayers for they believe that their relatives’ souls would remain in the purgatory if they would not pray for their salvation. All members of the family would spend a moment of time to pray. Many would also attend the special mass held on this day. Some cemeteries would even hold these special masses.

Family Gatherings

In the Philippines, All Saints’ Day also means family day. Filipinos gather together with their families and relatives and share a feast together. Special dishes are prepared and shared between family members. Food are also offered to the dead. Some of the Filipino families traditionally leave food at their altar while others choose to bring them at the cemetery. Offering food to the dead is one of the Filipino traditions that still exist until today. They consider it a sign of remembrance for the souls that departed.

How is Filipino All Saints’ Day different from others?

All Saints’ Day celebration in the Philippines is a little different. While other countries celebrate it in a calm and solemn manner, the Filipinos celebrate it in a different way. Instead of mourning those who passed away, they’ll reminisce all the joyous moments they’ve had with their deceased relatives, creating a happier ambience instead. For other Filipinos, they organize a large feast and a reunion with family members whom they have not seen in months or years.