All Saints Day in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the Catholic religion is the majority and very structured with tradition. One of the major holidays to remember the family that passed is on November 1st and 2nd. The first is All Saints Day and second is All Souls Day. Besides using this day for remembering Family members who have passed, it is also like a Fiesta.

Two of Elena’s brothers arrived this morning and everyone went to the Cemetery of Elena’s mom. Each year they go to clean and paint the crypt and to place flowers. This is minor to how others celebrate. I drove some of the group while the others took a taxi. Many streets in front of the cemeteries were turned into One Way streets to control traffic. Because of this there were many traffic jams everywhere.

As we got close to the cemetery there were booths selling foods, drinks, flowers and everything else needed by the visitors. I was not allowed to enter the cemetery so I let everyone off at the entrance. Looking through the fence, I saw tent coverings all over.

This is how many celebrate the holiday. Some of the coverings are for shade, but many families spend the night and serve either vigil, or just party all night. Because of the commotion, a few years ago, the Mayor banned alcoholic beverages and karaoke from the cemeteries.

I am not one for cemeteries; I prefer not to be reminded of death but to remember my past relatives from good times when they were alive. For this reason, I let Elena and her family go without me.  Even with my beliefs, it is nice to see how past relatives are remembered and celebrated.

As I am writing this on Sunday evening a bad rainstorm has started. I am wondering how many have fled home.