All Saints' Day 2025 in the Philippines

All Saints' Day, observed on November 1, is a deeply cherished tradition where Filipinos honor and remember their departed loved ones. Families visit cemeteries, light candles, offer prayers, and spend time together in reflection and remembrance.

All Saints' Day: A Public Holiday?

All Saints' Day is a Regular Public Holiday in the Philippines, with most businesses, schools, and government offices closed as families gather to honor their departed loved ones.

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day, celebrated on November 1, was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish missionaries during the 16th century. The Catholic tradition honors all saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven. Over time, the celebration became deeply rooted in Filipino culture, blending Catholic practices with local customs of honoring ancestors and the dead. It evolved into a day not only for saints but also for remembering departed loved ones.

The Filipino way of observing All Saints' Day grew into a unique tradition, closely linked with All Souls' Day on November 2. Together, these days became a major religious and cultural event known locally as "Undas." The strong family ties and deep respect for the dead found in Filipino values helped shape the observance into a time of reflection, prayer, and gathering. Today, All Saints' Day remains one of the most important and widely celebrated occasions in the Philippines.

Observance of All Saints' Day in the Philippines

All Saints' Day in the Philippines is marked by families coming together to visit cemeteries and memorial parks. Days before November 1, people clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers, candles, and offerings. On the day itself, families gather at burial sites to pray, light candles, and spend time together, often sharing food and memories. Some even stay overnight, turning cemeteries into vibrant places filled with both solemn prayers and lively reunions.

Because it is a Regular Public Holiday, most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed, giving people time to travel to their hometowns. Major roads and cemeteries become crowded as Filipinos show their deep respect for the departed. Churches also hold special Masses, and many families offer novenas for the souls of their loved ones. Media outlets remind the public of safety measures during the observance, reflecting its national scale and importance.

All Saints' Day holds a special place in Filipino culture as a time for remembrance, faith, and family unity. It highlights the values of honoring ancestors, strengthening family bonds, and finding comfort in shared prayers and traditions. Through these customs, Filipinos reaffirm their connections to loved ones who have passed away, preserving a sense of continuity, gratitude, and spiritual closeness across generations.

All Saints' Day Observances