Philippines observes Undas traditions alongside Halloween

In the Philippines, the observance of Undas—encompassing All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day—coexists with the growing influence of Halloween. Undas is a deeply rooted tradition where families visit cemeteries, offer prayers, light candles, and gather to honor departed loved ones.

Historians note that these practices are a blend of precolonial beliefs and Catholic influences. Before Spanish colonization, indigenous beliefs involved communicating with spirits through intermediaries like the babaylan. Following the arrival of Catholicism, these local customs merged with religious teachings regarding the honoring of saints and the dead.

While Undas remains a solemn period of remembrance and connection to ancestors, Halloween has become increasingly visible in Filipino culture through Western-style festivities, including costumes and trick-or-treating.