Guide on Holy Week Traditions in the Philippines that Many Filipinos Follow

HOLY WEEK TRADITIONS PHILIPPINES – Here is a list of the widely-practiced beliefs by Filipinos every Holy Week.

The Philippines is one of the countries across the globe wherein the Holy Week is widely practiced. It marks the last week of Lent and is a commemoration of the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Millions of Filipinos are Christians who celebrate the religious event deeply. Aside from the Holy Week prayers, there are also Holy Week traditions that are widely-practiced in the Philippines including the following:

Seven Churches Visitation

Among the Holy Week traditions in the Philippines, this is undeniably the most popular. It is also called Visita Iglesia. To do this, the people visit seven (7) churches during Maundy Thursday or Good Friday and pray before the Blessed Sacrament in each church.

Pabasa

This Holy Week practice involves an uninterrupted reading or chanting of the Passion, an early 16th Century epic poem narrating the life, passion, and death of Jesus Christ. It begins on a Palm Sunday and lasts until Maundy Thursday when the washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus Christ is commemorated.

Siete Palabras

The Siete Palabras is done on Good Friday. There are church programs as well as radio and television airings that focus on the seven (7) last words of Jesus Christ. It begins at 12 noon and ends at 3:00 p.m. which is the hour of the death of the Son of God in the Cross.

Fasting

Countless Catholics also observe fasting as part of the Holy Week celebration. The devotees abstain from eating meat as well as from eating till their stomach is full. This Holy Week tradition is practice in remembrance of the sacrifices of the Lord Jesus Christ in abiding by the will of the Heavenly Father for mankind to be saved.

Senakulo

Senakulo which is a reenactment of the suffering of Jesus Christ leading up to His death on the Cross is held. It is done through a live play.

Salubong

Also one of the Holy Week traditions in the Philippines is the Salubong or also called Sugat in the Visayan language. It celebrates the meeting of Mary and Jesus Christ and it is done early on Easter Sunday.