All Souls' Day in the Philippines

When is All Souls' Day in Philippines?

All Souls' Day in Philippines is on November 2, 2025. It falls on Sunday.

How many days until All Souls' Day in Philippines?

There are 358 Days left until All Souls' Day in the Philippines.

Is All Souls' Day a public holiday in Philippines?

All Souls’ Day, locally known as Araw ng mga Patay in the Philippines, is an observance marking the day of prayer for the souls who have died and the commemoration of all the faithful departed. All Souls’ Day is a Catholic holiday celebrated every November 2nd of the year. It’s not declared a public holiday in the Philippines.

Origin

All Souls’ Day is the day to pray and honor those who departed and were still in purgatory – the place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who need to atone for their sins before making it to heaven.

When is All Souls' Day?

All Souls’ Day is commemorated every November 2nd through the assertion of Saint Odilo, the abbot of Cluny in France. Previously, before November 2 was standardized, many Catholic congregations celebrated All Souls’ Day on varying dates. But during the 10th century, St. Odilo of Cluny proposed and propounded that Christians should commemorate All Souls’ Day after All Saints’ Day. Since then, Catholics marked November 2 as the day to honor and pray for all the faithful departed.


All Souls' Day Traditions in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the day preceding All Souls’ Day is All Saints’ Day. Although the latter is declared a public holiday, All Souls’ Day on the other hand, is a special working day. Therefore, many Filipinos choose to visit the cemetery the day before All Souls’ Day as most of them are given a day off at that time. These two holidays are one of the most significant Catholic holidays and Filipinos see them as a family affair.

Attending special mass

Attending mass during special occasions has always been part of the Filipino traditions, and All Souls’ Day is not an exception. Many families would attend the special mass held for this day. Some of the cemeteries in the country would even host these masses.

Visiting the cemetery

Although not declared a public holiday, All Souls’ Day is still an important celebration in the Philippines. Some would request for leave at work so they can go back home to their respective provinces. Cemeteries are packed with people as the majority would visit the tombs of their deceased loved ones. They clean the graves, light candles, and offer prayers. Others would also bring flowers and food as offering.

On this day, the cemeteries become livelier than usual. There are families who would even choose to stay for two or three consecutive days. They would camp out at their deceased relatives’ tombs and reminisce the happy memories they used to share with them.

Preparing special dishes

Preparing the favorite dishes of the deceased relatives is another Filipino tradition during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. People would bring these dishes to the cemetery. A portion is prepared as offering for the dead while the rest are enjoyed by family members and friends. Others would also leave food at their altars at home as another form of offering.

Traditional dishes typically prepared include Pancit Bihon, lumpia, spaghetti, fried chicken, menudo, and Filipino barbecue, among many others. Desserts like maja blanca, sapin-sapin, puto, cassava cake, and coffee jelly are also commonly served.

Dates of Observance for All Souls' Day
Year Date Day Holiday
2025 November 02 Sunday All Souls' Day
2026 November 02 Monday All Souls' Day
2027 November 02 Tuesday All Souls' Day
2028 November 02 Thursday All Souls' Day
2029 November 02 Friday All Souls' Day
2030 November 02 Saturday All Souls' Day
Upcoming Philippines Holidays
Holiday Date
Bonifacio Day November 30, 2024
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 08, 2024
Christmas Eve December 24, 2024
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