Every first and second of November, people flock to the cemeteries to honor their loved ones who passed away. Flowers are offered and candles are lit. Filipino tradition tells that All Souls’ Day is actually a day when the souls of those who passed away are summoned back to the land of the living for a short visit. For this reason, people prepare sumptuous feasts to welcome home those who have left this earth. In the city, a small offering, which consists of rice, some viands, water and some drinks, is enough. But in the province, whole chickens as well as very special dishes are served for the souls’ consumption.
The offering placed on the altar.
Relatives stay by their dead loved ones’ graves until the next morning.
An offering of fresh flowers, coke, water, rice, pancit, pork, and fish.
Candles are placed near the door to light the way of the souls. Doors are kept ajar so that they may be able to enter.
At the cemetery, the burial chambers are lit and adorned with flowers.
A young kid offering a candle.
Sea of lights
More lighted vaults.
A newly-repainted chamber.
A guy repainting a relative’s chamber.
The energy is really high and the mood is festive during All Souls’/ Saints’ Day.
Candles, flowers, and prayers are offered to all forgotten souls at the dakong cruz [big cross].
May all the souls rest in peace. Amen.
Asa man ni nga menteryo ley?
As what i read online about All Saints/Souls Day, it goes peacefully around Cebu.
Some cemetery have police an ambulance for that day, w/c is good idea. But the trouble is the traffic
to Cempark and other cemetery.
Murag fiesta pod ang adlaw sa minatay diha sa P’pines. Some having wake and play majong in the cemetry. Dere mingaw man ang All Saints/Souls Day oi!!!
My sister been to cemetry 2x on Nov.1 an back again the following day. Im sure its time to catch
up some friends you never see for long time. You reckon?
sa calamba ni sir coco…
kanindot ba sa pagkakuha ani Ley!
ako ning gipakita sa mga hapon dire ug lingaw kaayo sila nga nagtan-aw ani. lahi man gud kaayo ug wala na dire nga crowded kaayo ang menteryo. Thanks Ley!
hi am new in this site…..and i like it…bring so much good memories……..
hi na kay pics sa minglanilla?……puhlezz publish it……………..
This reminds me when I was very little my mom and dad used to take me and my sis to Caretta (sp.?) and Sta Rosa (Olango Is.) to visit and pay homage to the dead. We used to save the wax candles and make them into new ones. My dad passed away Nov. 2007 (RIP), its like a promise that we go home to Cebu and celebrate all soul’s day from this time on. More power to you Ley….!!