All Souls Day around the world
Philippines
In the Philippines the days around 1 and 2 November are known as Undas (also Araw ng mga Patay, “Day of the Dead”). It is one of the largest annual movements of people in the country — and far from sombre, it is warm, crowded and deeply communal.
What people actually do
Families return to their home provinces to clean and repaint tombs in the days beforehand, then gather at the cemetery — often for the whole day and into the night. People bring food, mats, folding chairs, playing cards and guitars. Children run between the graves while elders keep vigil. It is normal to sleep overnight beside a loved one’s tomb. Candles are lit in such numbers that wax pools across the paths, and vendors outside sell flowers, food, balloons and candles.
When to go
The main day at the cemetery is traditionally 1 November (All Saints’ Day), with many also returning on 2 November. In the Philippines, 1 November is generally a declared special (non-working) day, and 2 November is often declared a special non-working day by separate presidential proclamation each year — confirm the current year’s proclamation. Many public cemeteries extend their hours dramatically during Undas, with some open 24 hours across 31 October–2 November. Exact hours are set locally by each cemetery or LGU and change yearly — check your specific cemetery.
What to bring
- Flowers — chrysanthemums and other cut flowers; yellow and white are common.
- Candles — bought by the bundle from roadside vendors.
- Food and water — for a long day; many families share a meal at the graveside.
- Mats, chairs, umbrellas or a tent — for sun, rain and the wait.
- Cleaning kit — rags, paint and a brush if you tend the tomb yourself.
Costs
The gathering itself is free; spending is on flowers, candles, food and transport. Cemeteries and barangays sometimes charge a small entrance or parking fee during Undas, and private memorial parks may have their own rules. Any entrance/parking fees vary by cemetery and year.
Travel and traffic — the honest version
Expect the heaviest domestic travel of the year. Provincial bus terminals and ports are packed for days beforehand; book ferries and long-distance buses well ahead. Roads to major cemeteries slow to a crawl, and many are closed to private vehicles near the gates, with police rerouting traffic and banning certain items (alcohol, bladed objects, videoke) inside. Go early in the morning, travel light, agree a meeting point with your family in case phones lose signal in the crowds, and keep valuables close.
Remembering someone from Philippines? You can add their name to the wall and light a candle, wherever you are in the world.