Filipinos Flock to Cemeteries for Undas with A Unique All Saints’ Day Tradition Blending Faith, Family, and Philippines Culture

Published on November 2, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Millions of Filipinos filled cemeteries across the Philippines this weekend for Undas, a deeply rooted tradition observed on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to honor departed loved ones. Undas, derived from the Spanish phrase “Dia de los Todos Santos” (All Saints’ Day), has become one of the most cherished annual celebrations in this Catholic-majority nation. It’s a time when families gather not only to remember and pray for the deceased but also to reconnect with relatives, turning cemeteries into places of community bonding and vibrant celebration.

Despite facing massive crowds, heavy traffic, and the looming threat of a tropical storm, Filipinos made the journey from cities to their home provinces, filling seaports, airports, and bus terminals. The tradition, which has been passed down through generations, is more than just a day of remembrance; it’s an expression of Filipino culture and a way to honor familial ties.

In Manila, preparations for Undas began as early as October 31, with schools and offices closing at noon to allow people time to travel. Authorities anticipated around 4 million people would be leaving the capital to visit their family towns, resulting in heavy traffic and bustling transport hubs. Families prepared for this special holiday by cleaning graves, lighting candles, and adorning tombs with flowers, a ritual that has both spiritual and social significance.

Honoring Ancestors with Faith and Rituals

At the heart of Undas lies the spiritual tradition of paying respect to ancestors. Filipinos consider it essential to visit family graves and offer prayers, honoring the memory of loved ones who have passed on. Some, like Maria Imelda Austria, a 51-year-old teacher, view Undas as a chance to uphold family traditions. Austria brings flower arrangements to her parents’ graves, fulfilling a promise to keep this tradition alive. She explains that her family uses the occasion to gather together, pray the rosary, and remember not only their own deceased relatives but also the “poor souls in purgatory.”

Undas is also an opportunity for Filipinos to reflect on their heritage and their community. Many Filipinos bring their children to cemeteries, using the time to pass down stories about the people who shaped their community. For actress and entrepreneur Criena House, visiting cemeteries during Undas as a child was a learning experience, a chance to hear stories about her mother’s former teachers, local leaders, and family friends who had impacted her life. House, now an adult, is eager to share this experience with her Filipino-American husband and young son.

A Blend of Tradition and Festivity

While the primary purpose of Undas is spiritual, the holiday also brings a festive atmosphere, transforming cemeteries into lively gathering spaces. Food is a central part of the tradition, as families often bring their loved ones’ favorite dishes to the graves, symbolically sharing a meal with the deceased. Some Filipino communities even lay out grains of uncooked rice as an offering and a way to observe the “presence” of spirits, a belief that the departed briefly return during this period.

For many families, Undas also serves as a yearly reunion. Families from different parts of the Philippines, and even overseas, come together to celebrate and catch up. Food is plentiful, and in a “potluck” style, relatives bring different dishes to share, turning the gathering into a grand feast. Anna Maria Batungbacal, a 46-year-old civil servant, notes that Undas is both a joyful and reflective occasion. It’s a chance to spend quality time with relatives and reminisce about those who have passed, creating a bittersweet but fulfilling holiday.

Undas gatherings often include music and casual storytelling, activities that might seem out of place in cemeteries elsewhere but are integral to the Filipino way of remembering loved ones. Photos are taken with family members, with gravestones forming the backdrop. For Filipinos, it is perfectly acceptable to smile, take pictures, and celebrate life alongside the memory of those who have departed.

Keeping Tradition Alive in Modern Times

In a rapidly modernizing society, Filipinos still place high value on keeping traditions like Undas alive. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of family, community, and spiritual faith, values that have remained resilient despite the challenges of contemporary life. The annual journey back to ancestral towns, the effort to clean and decorate family graves, and the gatherings that follow all signify a collective respect for heritage and a deep sense of community.

With the growing Filipino diaspora, traditions like Undas have also taken on a new meaning as families return from abroad to participate. For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and expatriates, this holiday is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots. Those unable to travel may still observe Undas by lighting candles at home or visiting cemeteries in their host countries, demonstrating the adaptability of Filipino customs across different cultures.

A Unique Cultural Draw for Tourism

For tourists and travelers, Undas offers a unique glimpse into Filipino culture. Unlike other cultural festivals in Asia, which are often marked by large public parades and citywide celebrations, Undas is deeply personal and family-centered, observed mostly in cemeteries and homes. Travelers visiting the Philippines during this period witness firsthand the solemnity yet vibrancy of this tradition, which combines religious devotion with a strong sense of family and communal spirit.

Undas also presents a potential avenue for cultural tourism. Interested visitors can learn about local customs, see the floral and food offerings left for the dead, and engage with Filipinos who are eager to share their beliefs and practices. However, for tourists, understanding and respecting the sanctity of Undas is essential to fully appreciate the cultural significance of this unique celebration.

Conclusion

Undas in the Philippines is more than just a holiday; it’s a celebration of family, faith, and tradition that transcends generations. Even with the challenges of modern life, Filipinos continue to prioritize this tradition, showing their commitment to honoring ancestors and fostering family bonds. As Filipinos around the world uphold the customs of Undas, they ensure that the memory of their loved ones remains alive and that the sense of community inherent in Filipino culture endures. For travelers, experiencing Undas offers an intimate look into the soul of the Philippines, highlighting the values of respect, togetherness, and heritage that define this vibrant nation.