Complete Guide to Holy Week in the Philippines

ABOUT HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILIPPINES

Holy Week in the Philippines is a significant religious observance for many Filipinos, as the country has a predominantly Catholic population. It typically takes place during the last week of March or the first week of April, leading up to Easter Sunday. Here is a brief overview of the different events and practices that occur during Holy Week in the Philippines:

1. Palm Sunday – This marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Many churches hold processions where people wave palm fronds to symbolize Jesus’ arrival.
2. Maundy Thursday – This day commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. Many churches hold a “washing of the feet” ceremony to replicate Jesus’ act of humility.
3. Good Friday – This is the most solemn day of Holy Week, as it commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Many Filipinos observe this day by participating in the “pabasa,” which is a traditional chant of the passion of Christ.
4. Black Saturday – This is a quieter day of reflection, as many people contemplate the emptiness and grief of Jesus’ death.
5. Easter Sunday – This marks the resurrection of Jesus and is celebrated with joy and festivities. Many churches hold a dawn procession called the “salubong,” where people carry statues of Jesus and Mary and meet in front of the church to symbolize their reunion after Jesus’ resurrection.

During Holy Week, many Filipinos also observe different religious practices such as fasting, abstinence from meat, and attending church services. Some provinces in the Philippines, such as Pampanga and Marinduque, are known for their elaborate Holy Week traditions and rituals. It’s important to note that Holy Week is a solemn and important religious observance in the Philippines, so tourists should be respectful of local customs and practices during this time.

WHEN IS HOLY WEEK CELEBRATED IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Holy Week in the Philippines is observed during the week leading up to Easter Sunday, which falls between late March and late April depending on the lunar calendar. Specifically, Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Black Saturday.