How Filipinos commemorate the Lenten Season
As a predominantly Catholic country, the Philippines unites during the Lenten Season, a 40-day period of reflection culminating in Holy Week.
Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday, is a time of penance and prayer for many Filipinos. It has also given rise to numerous cultural events and traditions passed down through generations.
Here are some of the most notable observances during this special time.
Palm Sunday
The commemoration of Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, where people hold woven palm fronds called “palaspas” to be blessed by a priest before or after the Sunday mass. This tradition remembers Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was initially welcomed by the inhabitants who would later condemn him. While some churches celebrate with a simple blessing of the “palaspas” with holy water, others hold a whole procession with a statue of Jesus Christ.
Moriones Festival
Locally called “Moriones,” the Moriones Festival in Marinduque commemorates Holy Week. It features people wearing iconic costumes and masks replicating those worn by Roman soldiers as they searched for Saint Longinus. The province is widely known for this celebration, attracting many tourists who participate in the festivities.
Visita Iglesia
Observed throughout the Lenten season, Visita Iglesia is the practice of visiting and praying the Stations of the Cross in at least seven churches. On Maundy Thursday, after the evening mass commemorating the Last Supper, participants can pray to the Blessed Sacrament until midnight after it is transferred to a church’s Altar of Repose.
Senakulo
During Good Friday, Senakulo, a reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ, is observed all over the country. Performers act out the events leading to Jesus’ death on the cross based on their own scripts, presented either on stages or in the streets. Some provinces even have a tradition of nailing the actor playing the role of Jesus to the cross as a symbol of their devotion.
Salubong
Following days of mourning, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated on Easter Sunday through Salubong, a mass held early in the morning. It also includes traditional dances, typically performed by young girls, such as the “Sayaw ng Pagbati” (Dance of Greeting), which proclaims the resurrection of Christ. Different provinces have their versions of the celebration, some involving dances with religious figures.
The Holy Week serves as a significant part of the Catholic faith, offering believers a time for reflection and penance. It has also become an important aspect of Filipino culture, ensuring its continued celebration for years to come.