How Filipinos Observe Holy Week: Traditions, Practices, and Local Insights

Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is one of the most significant religious observances in the Philippines. As a predominantly Catholic country, Filipinos commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through various solemn traditions. This week-long event is marked by prayers, processions, and religious activities, culminating in Easter Sunday’s joyous celebration.

When is Holy Week in 2025?

Holy Week follows the liturgical calendar, with dates varying each year. In 2025, the observance will fall on:

• Palm Sunday – April 13
• Holy Monday – April 14
• Holy Tuesday – April 15
• Holy Wednesday – April 16
• Maundy Thursday – April 17
• Good Friday – April 18
• Black Saturday – April 19
• Easter Sunday – April 20

Holy Week Traditions in the Philippines

Throughout the country, different regions have their own customs to observe Holy Week. Some of the most common include:

1. Palm Sunday (Linggo ng Palaspas)

The week begins with the blessing of palm fronds (palaspas) in churches, symbolizing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

2. Visita Iglesia

Many devotees visit at least seven churches on Maundy Thursday for prayer and reflection.

3. The Way of the Cross (Via Crucis)

A solemn reenactment of Jesus’ passion and death is done through processions or in church settings.

4. Pabasa ng Pasyon

Filipinos chant or recite the Pasyon, a narrative poem about Christ’s suffering and death, continuously from Holy Monday to Good Friday.

5. Senakulo

Dramatic reenactments of Christ’s passion, sometimes including extreme acts of penance, take place in different towns.

6. Salubong

A pre-dawn ritual on Easter Sunday reenacts the meeting of the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Also Read: Simala Mass Schedule 2025 [Official Schedule]

Dos and Don’ts During Holy Week

Observing Holy Week in the Philippines comes with certain cultural and religious customs. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos:

• Observe silence and respect, especially on Good Friday.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches.
• Participate in religious activities such as Visita Iglesia, Pabasa, and processions.
• Plan ahead, as many establishments close during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
• Be mindful of travelers, as traffic is often heavy near churches and pilgrimage sites.

Don’ts:

• Avoid loud celebrations, such as playing loud music or holding parties, especially on Good Friday.
• Limit meat consumption, as many Filipinos abstain from eating meat on Good Friday as an act of penance.
• Refrain from unnecessary travel, as some roads and businesses close during Holy Week.
• Avoid extreme penitence practices, such as self-flagellation and crucifixion reenactments, which are discouraged by religious leaders.

Also Read: A Visitor’s Guide to the Basilica del Santo Niño

How Cebuanos Commemorate Holy Week

Cebuanos observe Holy Week with a blend of religious solemnity and traditional practices deeply rooted in their faith. Here are some of the ways Holy Week is celebrated in Cebu:

• Processions and Passion Plays: Major cities and towns, especially in Cebu City and Carcar, hold grand processions featuring life-size statues of saints depicting the Passion of Christ.
• Visita Iglesia: Devotees visit Cebu’s historic churches, such as the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
• Buhing Kalbaryo: A live reenactment of Jesus’ passion and crucifixion, often performed in mountain barangays and open fields.
• Pilgrimages: Many Cebuanos travel to religious sites, including the Simala Shrine in Sibonga, known for its miraculous Virgin Mary statue.
• Beach and Family Gatherings: While many observe Holy Week through prayer and fasting, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday are often spent with family at the beach or other outdoor locations.
• Salubong on Easter Sunday: Churches across Cebu hold the traditional Salubong, where images of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary meet in a symbolic celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

Traditional Holy Week Foods

Food plays an essential role in Filipino Holy Week traditions, with many families preparing special dishes while observing fasting and abstinence from meat, particularly on Good Friday.

• Benignit: A popular Cebuano dessert made with coconut milk, sweet potatoes, bananas, sago pearls, and glutinous rice balls. It is commonly served on Good Friday and Black Saturday as a comforting, meat-free dish.
• Biko and Other Kakanin: Various rice cakes such as biko, palitaw, and suman are eaten as light snacks during Holy Week.
• Fish and Vegetable Dishes: Many households prepare dishes like ginataang gulay (vegetables cooked in coconut milk), grilled fish, or monggo guisado (mung bean stew) to comply with religious fasting.
• No Pork or Meat: It is a long-standing tradition to avoid pork, beef, or chicken on Good Friday. Many families instead focus on seafood and plant-based meals.

Final Thoughts

Holy Week in the Philippines is a time for reflection, prayer, and family gatherings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, respecting these traditions will help you immerse in this deeply rooted cultural and religious event.

For more travel guides and cultural insights, visit Hello Cebu PH!