The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we do things. And the Kalag-Kalag 2020 celebration was no exception. Months before the yearly holiday, the city government of Cebu announced that cemetery visits will not be allowed from October 29th to November 3rd. Instead, the cemeteries were opened days prior to and after the lockdown. However, strict safety protocols were in place and the head count limit was strictly monitored. Additionally, minors and senior citizens were not allowed to enter the cemeteries.
Kalag-Kalag 2020
A day before the start of the scheduled closure, I was able to visit the San Nicolas Catholic Cemetery, also known as Calamba Public Cemetery. My visit wasn’t a big problem because the cemetery was very close to our barangay. Also, it was where most of our dear departed relatives and friends were buried.
Here are some shots that I was able to take during my visit:
A lane of V. Rama Avenue was fenced off to give enough space for visitors entering and leaving the cemetery.

The gates of the cemetery were heavily guarded. As a matter of fact, upon entry, visitors were asked to present an ID or a Quarantine Pass.

Inside the Cemetery
Inside, the cemetery was cleaner and more spacious.

I realized later on that the vendors who normally occupy this space were not allowed to operate this year.

The dakong krus or big cross, which was the most visited spot in the cemetery, was very quiet.

In previous years, during All Souls Day and All Saints Day, there would be people EVERYWHERE.

However, this year, things were quite different.

For example, this big area inside which still has the traditional on-ground tombs, usually would be very busy.


Also, these other sections which still have on-ground tombs would usually be filled with seats and tables.


I noticed that the areas on the ‘second floor’ were quite dirty. I’m guessing this was due to the limited movement inside the cemetery.

From the second floor, I saw that the ground area was quite clean and tidy.



Even the chapel and the area around it were pretty clean.


All visitors had to exit through this small passageway.

Take a look at these photos from past years: 2008 2010 2012 2018
Watch this quick video that I took during my visit.
What do you think of this year’s Kalag-Kalag celebration in Cebu? Did the government have to implement the closure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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