Manila families gather at cemeteries for Undas

Tens of thousands of Filipinos visited cemeteries across Manila on Sunday for All Saints' Day.

Lorita Santos stood at the graves of her father and three other relatives. She brought flowers and candles to honor them. Santos, who grew up visiting these sites, now teaches her children the custom. She wants them to know the tradition so they can continue it if something happens to the current generation. "We pass this on to our children to make sure they are aware of the tradition, so that if something happens to us, they know what to do," Santos said.

The local name for the observance, Undas, comes from the Spanish word "honras," meaning honors. The practice blends Catholic observances with pre-colonial beliefs. Nestor Castro, an anthropology lecturer at the University of the Philippines Diliman, noted that ancestor veneration has a long history in the Philippines. Before the Spanish arrived, Filipinos honored ancestral spirits known as anito by offering food and gifts. These acts were not tied to specific dates but formed part of a general respect for the dead.

The tradition shifted after the Spanish arrived in 1565 and introduced Catholicism. Castro explained that some practices may have come from Mexico, which had historical ties to the Philippines through the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. Both countries now share similar customs for honoring the departed. In Mexico, families often spend time at graves or set up home altars with marigolds, music, and food. Similar gatherings with flowers, candles, and prayers occur in Bolivia, Poland, and Hungary.

For many families, the day serves as a reunion. Castro said that death in Filipino culture is not just for mourning but for bringing relatives together. During funeral wakes, families often wait for distant relatives to arrive before burial. "That’s when family reunions occur. It’s a binding event," Castro said. The sense of togetherness extends to Undas, where families often share sticky rice cakes. The sticky texture of the food symbolizes the bonds between relatives.

Mike Mamaril, a 42-year-old school maintenance employee, visits his parents' graves every year. He learned the custom from his grandparents. Mamaril said he makes time for the visit even though he rarely gets another chance to go. The gatherings allow him to reminisce about his parents and their lighter moments. "We always talk about who among us got scolded the most," Mamaril said. Santos added that she shares stories about her father, who used to give small gifts to his children and grandchildren every payday. "Just because they have passed away does not mean we should forget them," she said.