Undas Explained: How Filipino Celebrate All Saints and All Souls Day
- KGM Resorts
- 9 hours ago
- 12 min read
A Nation That Remembers Together
Every year, as November begins, the Philippines slows its pace to make way for one of its most heartfelt traditions — Undás, the Filipino term for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. More than a religious observance, it is a nationwide homecoming of the heart, when families gather to honor their dearly departed and celebrate the unbroken bond between the living and the dead. This celebrated occasion holds deep cultural and religious significance, uniting communities across the country in shared acts of remembrance.
In Filipino culture, Undás is not defined by mourning but by faith, life, and remembrance. Cemeteries transform into vibrant places of reunion — where prayers rise with candlelight, laughter mingles with tears, and the presence of those who have passed feels close once again. Filipinos observe these days by returning to their hometowns, bringing flowers, candles, and favorite dishes of the deceased loved ones, reaffirming that love endures beyond death.
As this article — “Undás Explained: How Filipinos Celebrate All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days” — unfolds, discover how many Filipinos spend the night in cemeteries, light candles, share food, and tell stories that keep memory alive. It is a time when faith shines brightest, when the Filipino people turn loss into love, and remembrance into celebration.
Origins of Undas – From Saints to Souls
The roots of Undás trace back to centuries of faith and cultural blending — from the solemn rituals of the Catholic Church to the ancestral practices of early island communities. What began as a European observance evolved into a deeply Filipino tradition that honors both saints and souls, merging religion, remembrance, and reverence.
The Catholic Foundation – Honoring Saints and Souls
The Catholic Church established All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) to commemorate holiness and remembrance. Saints’ Day pays tribute to those who have reached heaven, while Souls’ Day focuses on prayers for the faithful departed still journeying toward eternal peace. These observances, rooted in faith, express the belief that life continues beyond death and that love and prayer connect the living and the departed loved ones.
The departed are not forgotten; they are remembered as those who once lived among us and continue to live in our hearts and memories. The Communion of Saints encompasses all members of the Church—those in heaven, in purgatory, and those still on earth—emphasizing a spiritual connection that transcends the unknown mysteries of the afterlife.
Spanish Influence – From Europe to the Islands
When Spanish missionaries arrived in the Philippines in the 1500s, they introduced these Christian holidays, teaching Filipinos the importance of honoring both the holy and the departed. Yet they soon discovered that pre-colonial Filipinos already practiced rituals for their ancestors. Instead of replacing local customs, Spanish priests blended them with Catholic rites, resulting in a uniquely Filipino form of remembrance — one that balanced devotion and tradition.
The Filipino Term “Undás” – A Word of Honor
The Filipino term Undás likely stems from the Spanish honras (meaning “to honor”) or Todos los Santos (All Saints). Its meaning captures the essence of the occasion: to honor and remember those who came before. Much like Día de los Muertos in Latin America, Undás celebrates the continuity of life, showing how faith adapts across cultures while keeping its soul intact.
Through this fusion of beliefs, Undás in the Philippines became more than a pair of religious holidays — it became a living testament to the Filipino culture of remembrance, where saints, souls, and the departed loved ones are honored together in the light of faith.
The Filipino Way of Honoring the Departed
Across the Philippines, Undás transforms towns and cities into places of pilgrimage and remembrance. Filipino Undas is characterized by a unique blend of religious, cultural, and familial practices, where traditions and community gatherings come together to honor departed loved ones.
For the Filipino people, these days are not marked by mourning alone but by deep faith, gratitude, and connection — a collective act of love for their departed loved ones. The country’s cemeteries, both grand and humble, come alive with color, candles, and prayer, uniting generations in shared remembrance.
Cemeteries as Sacred Gathering Places
On the eve of Undás, Manila North Cemetery and countless burial grounds across the nation overflow with families bringing life back into spaces of rest. They clean tombs, repaint names, arrange fresh flowers, and light candles that flicker into the night — symbols of eternal memory and divine hope.
These actions, simple yet profound, reflect the enduring Filipino belief that to honor the dead is also to celebrate the living. Families gather to pay their respects, showing reverence and gratitude as they remember those who have passed.
Families Gather to Remember Together
In every province, families gather around graves with food, photographs, and laughter. Children run between tombstones, elders share stories of a loved one, and relatives who live apart reunite under the soft glow of candlelight. It becomes a reunion of hearts — a blending of sorrow and gratitude that reminds everyone that love does not end with death.
Paying Tribute and Seeking Blessings
For Filipinos, Undás is more than tradition; it is an act of faith. They pay tribute to their ancestors through prayers and offerings, believing that those who have gone before them continue to watch over and guide the living. These prayers often seek peace for the souls who have passed, honoring their spiritual journey from this life to the next. Visiting cemeteries becomes a sacred ritual of seeking blessings, thanking the past, and renewing familial bonds that stretch across time and generations.
Customs and Traditions During Undás
Undás in the Philippines is one of the nation’s most meaningful observances — a time when faith, family, and culture come together in a shared act of respect for those who have passed. What makes it special is the blend of solemnity and togetherness, turning what elsewhere might be a somber holiday into a celebration of connection and remembrance.
Celebrating Undás is not only about honoring the dead, but also about coming together as a community in festive gatherings that strengthen family bonds and cultural identity. Across towns and cities, families follow enduring customs that make this observance uniquely Filipino.
Visiting Graves and Mausoleums
The heart of Undás lies in visiting cemeteries and mausoleums to honor deceased loved ones. In cities like Manila, families arrive days before to secure space and prepare for the gatherings. Others travel long distances to their hometowns, proving that distance does not weaken devotion.
Cleaning and Decorating Tombs
In the days leading up to November 1, families clean, paint, and decorate graves with flowers and candles. These acts of care are seen as gestures of love — maintaining the dignity of the departed and symbolizing the light of hope and eternal prayers.
Bringing Food and Sharing Meals
Throughout cemeteries, the air fills with the aroma of home-cooked dishes. Food is shared among relatives and friends, sometimes even offered to the deceased. Common favorites include rice meals, coffee, and Filipino snacks, turning Undás into both a feast of memory and of fellowship.
Attending Mass or Novenas
Many families begin or end their visits with Mass, whether in the church or at the gravesite. Prayers for the souls of the departed echo through the day, a reminder that Undás is rooted in faith as much as in family.
Sharing Stories Across Generations
Elders recount stories of departed loved ones to younger generations, ensuring that memories live on. Through laughter, reflection, and storytelling, Filipinos keep family legacies alive, proving that remembrance is not about grief — it’s about gratitude.
Faith, Family, and Food – The Heart of Undás
At its core, Undás is not a time of mourning but a celebration of life — a living expression of faith that binds generations together. For Filipinos, remembering the dead means cherishing the living. These sacred days reveal the beauty of how family, spirituality, and everyday culture come together in one heartfelt tradition.
Faith That Bridges the Living and the Dead
The Catholic Church teaches that All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are moments to pray for the departed and thank God for the gift of eternal life. Yet in the Philippines, this doctrine transforms into something even more personal — a homecoming of hearts. Through faith, Filipinos celebrate not only those who have passed but also the enduring relationship between the living and their departed loved ones, believing that love, like prayer, never fades.
Family as the Center of Remembrance
During Undás, family members reunite at ancestral graves, often traveling from distant provinces or overseas to be together. They bring flowers, photos, and food, staying for hours — even through the night — to remember and reconnect. The cemetery becomes a space of storytelling and laughter, where tales of the past blend with the hopes of the present, strengthening the bonds that define Filipino family life.
Food as a Symbol of Love and Connection
For Filipinos, sharing food is both an offering and a language of love. At the gravesite, families lay out homemade dishes — rice meals, noodles for long life, native snacks, and coffee to keep vigil through the evening. Every bite shared is a gesture of remembrance and gratitude, linking generations across the table and across time.
Balancing Tradition with Modern Celebration
While some Filipinos celebrate Halloween, carving pumpkins or attending costume parties, most people still return to their Catholic roots when November 1 and 2 arrive. The blend of modern and traditional practices shows how Filipino culture evolves without losing its soul — honoring the departed loved ones with reverence while embracing joy, creativity, and togetherness.
The Spirit of Connection – Remembering with Joy and Respect
Filipino Undás is more than a day of mourning — it is a celebration of connection, where families come together to honor memory through love, laughter, and faith. In the Philippines, the line between the living and the deceased loved ones blurs softly, as prayers rise with candlelight and the warmth of togetherness fills the night.
Blending Prayer with Celebration
Across the country, Filipino families turn cemeteries into spaces of both solemnity and joy. Prayers are whispered beside music, laughter echoes near glowing candles, and children play while elders share stories. What could have been moments of sadness become gatherings of thanksgiving — reminders that those who have passed are not gone but remain present in memory, faith, and spirit.
Respect for the Dead Through the Living
In Filipino Undás, respect for the deceased loved ones is shown not through silence, but through the fullness of life. Families cherish time together — preparing food, cleaning tombs, and visiting not just to grieve, but to celebrate shared experiences. These simple acts turn remembrance into renewal, expressing gratitude for life’s fragile yet beautiful continuity.
Teaching the Young to Remember
Through these yearly gatherings, younger generations learn the meaning of remembrance — that honoring ancestor is not merely ritual, but a reflection of love. Watching their elders pray, laugh, and care for graves teaches children the values of faith, gratitude, and respect. In this way, Undás becomes more than tradition — it becomes a living classroom of Filipino identity.
Regional and Cultural Variations
Though Undás unites the Philippines in remembrance, each region celebrates it with its own touch of color, faith, and culture. These regional traditions reflect the diversity of the archipelago — from solemn candlelit vigils to vibrant family gatherings. What ties them all together is the same spirit of love, gratitude, and connection that defines the Filipino way of honoring the dead.
Luzon – Overnight Vigils and Family Gatherings
In Luzon, Undás is a community affair. Families often camp overnight at cemeteries, lighting candles that glow like stars across the tombs. They bring food, chairs, and even musical instruments, transforming quiet graveyards into living spaces of fellowship. Throughout the night, prayers blend with laughter, and children learn to remember their ancestors in an atmosphere of warmth and joy.
Visayas – Flowers, Masses, and Coastal Customs
Across the Visayas, Undás is marked by color and devotion. Families decorate graves with bright flowers, creating vibrant displays that reflect both mourning and celebration. Many towns hold evening Masses and processions where residents carry candles and offer prayers for the departed loved ones. In coastal communities, it’s common to place offerings by the sea, symbolizing the journey of souls and the cycle of life.
Mindanao – The Faith of Muslim Filipinos
In Mindanao, Undás takes on a distinct character. Muslim Filipinos honor their departed through quiet reflection, prayers, and visits to burial grounds during Araw ng mga Yumao or other remembrance days. While the rituals differ, the essence remains — to pay respect, offer peace, and seek blessings for both the living and the dead.
Across these islands, one truth remains constant: Undás in the Philippines is not a time of sorrow but of solidarity. Unlike other cultures, the Filipino approach centers on community and connection — a celebration of faith, family, and the enduring bond that bridges life and eternity.
Modern Times – Tradition in Transition
In today’s fast-paced world, Undás continues to evolve while preserving its sacred heart. In bustling urban areas, where time and space are limited, Filipino people have found new ways to adapt to the rhythms of remembrance. The tradition remains the same — to honor departed loved ones with sincerity and faith — but the methods now reflect the realities of modern life.
Adjusting to City Life
In cities like Manila and Quezon City, many families now visit cemeteries days before November 1 to avoid heavy traffic and crowds. Others light candles at home or attend early morning Masses, balancing devotion with practicality. These quiet moments of prayer, even in small houses or apartments, carry the same depth of remembrance as the grand gatherings of old.
Remembering Across Distance
For millions of Filipinos working abroad, Undás has become a bittersweet holiday. Unable to visit ancestral graves, they light candles in their own homes, share photos and memories online, or send offerings and flowers to relatives back home. Technology now bridges the distance, allowing families to unite in spirit even when oceans apart — proof that love and faith know no borders.
Faith That Evolves, But Never Fades
Whether in a quiet house, a crowded church, or a digital gathering, the heart of Undás endures. It reminds the Filipino people that remembrance is not confined to a place or time. As the world changes, the act of honoring departed loved ones remains steadfast — a timeless expression of faith, gratitude, and the enduring connection between generations.
In every adaptation lies a truth: Undás is not bound by the past but carried forward by love. It shows that while the world may move faster, the Filipino soul still pauses — to remember, to light a candle, and to give thanks for the lives that shaped their own.
Beliefs, Superstitions, and Sacred Reminders
Even amid modernization and technology, age-old Filipino beliefs surrounding Undás continue to hold meaning for many families across the Philippines. These gentle reminders, often passed down by elders, reflect the country’s deep sense of faith, respect, and reverence for both the living and the deceased loved ones.
Pagpag – Never Go Straight Home After the Cemetery
One of the most widely observed customs is pagpag — the belief that after visiting the cemetery, you should not go straight home. Instead, people stop somewhere else first, often to eat or visit a friend. It’s said that this prevents spirits from following them home, a gesture of respect for the souls who remain in peace.
Quiet Reverence at the Graves
Filipinos are also taught not to laugh too loudly or speak carelessly when visiting tombs. This practice stems from the belief that cemeteries are sacred spaces where prayers should be spoken, not jokes. Such restraint demonstrates humility and respect toward both ancestors and the unseen world that surrounds them.
Lighting Candles to Guide Souls to Heaven
Throughout the night of Undás, families keep candles burning — their light believed to help guide wandering souls toward heaven. The soft glow symbolizes prayer, love, and hope, bridging the spiritual distance between earth and eternity.
Small Acts, Deep Meaning
These practices may seem simple, but they embody the Filipino faith in unseen connections and the belief that harmony between the living and the dead brings good fortune. Even in a modern era, many still observe these customs — not out of fear, but out of love and respect for those who came before.
Takeaway – Light for the Living, Hope for the Dead
As the last candles fade and the night of Undás draws to a close, what remains is not sorrow, but serenity — the quiet strength of Filipino culture that finds beauty in remembrance. Undás in the Philippines is more than a holiday; it is a sacred act of connection, a time when families come together to pray, reflect, and celebrate the eternal bond between life and death.
By visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, preparing food, and telling stories of departed loved ones, the Filipino people transform grief into gratitude. Every shared meal, whispered prayer, and soft glow of candlelight becomes an offering of faith — a reminder that love transcends both time and mortality.
Through every gesture of care, Undás continues to affirm what it has always stood for: that to honor the dead is to value the living. In the Philippines, each candle lit is a symbol of memory; each prayer offered, a bridge between hearts. And as families gather beneath the stars, they do so with hope — carrying forward the flame of faith, love, and unity that keeps the spirit of Undás alive through generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Undás in the Philippines?
Undás is the Filipino term for All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). It’s a time when families honor their departed loved ones through prayers, candle lighting, and gatherings in cemeteries across the Philippines.
How do Filipinos celebrate All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days?
Filipinos visit cemeteries, clean and decorate tombs, offer flowers, light candles, and share food with relatives and friends. The day is both solemn and joyful — blending faith, remembrance, and togetherness in true Filipino culture fashion.
Why do Filipinos stay overnight in cemeteries during Undás?
Many families stay overnight to spend time with their deceased loved ones, treating the cemetery as a sacred gathering place. They share meals, tell stories, and say prayers late into the night, transforming grief into gratitude.
Is Undás similar to Mexico’s Día de los Muertos?
Yes, both holidays share the same Catholic roots of honoring the dead. However, Undás in the Philippines focuses more on family reunions, faith, and quiet remembrance, while Día de los Muertos in Mexico often features colorful public festivities and parades.
What does “pagpag” mean during Undás?
Pagpag is a common Filipino belief that after visiting a cemetery, one should not go straight home. Instead, families stop somewhere else first to avoid bringing spirits of the departed back with them — a sign of respect and spiritual care.
