Undas Philippines: How Filipinos Honor the Dead with Life
Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) turns early November into a soft reunion. Cemeteries glow with candles, flowers, and stories, like fireflies gathering around names we love. Families travel home, pack food, clean graves, and spend hours catching up. It’s remembrance, but it’s also celebration.
What Happens During Undas
Paglilinis at pag-aayos: Families clean and repaint tombs or niches, lay fresh flowers, and light candles.
Salo-salo: Potluck vibes! From pancit to kare‑kare, everyone brings a favorite dish.
Dasal at kuwento: Prayers for the departed, plus the best part—storytime about lola, lolo, titos, and titas.
Overnight visits: Some families stay late, even overnight, with music, games, and coffee.
The Heart Behind the Tradition
Think of Undas like a bridge. One side is grief; the other is gratitude. We cross it by showing up—hands busy, hearts open. Cleaning a grave feels like combing a loved one’s hair. Lighting a candle whispers: You are not forgotten.
Quick Tips if You’re Visiting
Go early (October 31 or morning of November 1–2) to avoid crowds.
Bring essentials: water, wet wipes, extra candles, lighter, and a small trash bag.
Label dishes if sharing food; pack serving spoons.
Keep it safe: mind open flames; watch kids; follow cemetery rules.
Share a memory: Offer one favorite story—short, specific, and joyful.
What to Bring (Short List)
Candles + matches or a lighter
Flowers (sampaguita, chrysanthemums, or anything your loved one liked)
Small cleaning kit (rag, brush, paint if allowed)
Water and snacks
Prayer card or rosary
Want a deeper read?
If you want more context on why this tradition stays strong and how families honor memory, I wrote a companion piece here: All Souls’ Day in the Philippines (Undas): Memory, Family, and Tradition.
Undas reminds us that love outlives time. We gather, clean, eat, pray, and remember—then go home a little lighter, as if the candles also warmed our own names.