When Holy Week approaches in the Philippines, this sacred time is more than just a religious observance. For many Filipino families especially for Catholics, the week is steeped not only in prayer and penance, but also in long-standing traditions and superstitions that blur the line between faith and folklore.
From preparing meatless meals to joining candlelight processions, the atmosphere shifts palpably. Streets fall silent, the rhythm of life slows down, and lively gatherings pause, especially on Good Friday—a day reserved for mourning, reverence, and deep reflection. Even the rhythm of daily life slows, as if in collective observance of something ancient and solemn.
But in this modern age of evolving faith, one might wonder: do you know any superstitions? Do these still persist? In case you wonder what those are, here are some of the superstitions in Holy Week that people still follow today.
Palaspas
Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week with the blessing of palaspas—woven palm fronds brought by churchgoers to be sprinkled with holy water. For Catholics this symbolizes the branches laid down by the crowd as Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem hailed as a king riding a donkey. Once blessed, these palms are often taken home and hung on doors or windows, believed to ward off evil and bring protection to the household throughout the year.
Filipinos, especially Catholics, re-enact this moment as a symbol of joyful welcome and a beautiful expression of their own devotion to Christ.
No meat on Good Friday
Among the most widely followed customs during Lent is abstaining from meat especially on Good Friday. Though rooted in Catholic doctrine, for many it also carries a superstitious edge—believed to help avoid “sin” or bad karma during a sacred period. Instead, families opt for fish or vegetable dishes, mindful of maintaining spiritual purity.
While it may seem like a simple rule, it is a meaningful gesture of solidarity with Christ’s suffering as the Good Friday marks His crucifixion and death.
Loud noises and playing are discouraged
Aside from mourning, meditation and reflection during Good Friday which marks the crucifixion of Jesus, the loud noises, laughter, and playing are discouraged, as believed to disturb the solemnity of Christ’s suffering and death. Even though the church does not formally ban noise, many Filipino families and communities have passed this tradition down as part of the Holy Week observance. Others believe that accidents are more likely to happen during this period.
Silence is more than just a belief in this Holy Week, it is a quiet tradition to pay respect, a form of penance and prayer and a living reminder that a sacred story is still deeply felt today.
Pabasa
A deeply traditional Holy Week activity is the Pabasa ng Pasyon—a continuous chanting of the Passion of Christ, often held in tuklong or makeshift chapels. In San Jose, Batangas, for instance, the pabasa, novenas, and community prayers have long been a community tradition, passed down from older generations of Batangueñas.
However, locals lament that it is no longer recited in the same melodious tone once known as the Batangueña na Toni ng Pabasa, a style that is slowly fading with time. But while tradition may be fading in tone and frequency, many still remember it as a vital part of their Holy Week experience.
Alay Lakad
In recent decades, Alay Lakad has become another meaningful Holy Week tradition, especially for the youth and penitents. Devotee walk long distances, sometimes overnight—to reach sacred sites like Antipolo Cathedral or mountain chapels. This act of sacrifice and devotion is believed to purify the soul and fulfill panata (personal vows or promises). Along the way, walkers observe silence, pray, and reflect, turning the physical journey into a spiritual pilgrimage.
Alay Lakad is more than a walk, it is a heartfelt offering, a time for solemn prayer and a tradition that continues to move both feet and spirit closer to faith.
Prusisyon
Holy Week would feel incomplete without the prusisyon, a religious procession—where statues of saints and biblical figures are paraded through towns, accompanied by candlelight, prayer, and mournful hymns. Each statue in the procession represents a moment from the Passion of Christ, allowing the participants and onlookers to meditate on Christ's suffering and sacrifice.
For many, this ritual is more than symbolic, it is believed to bring blessings, forgiveness, and protection to those who walk in faith.
Lenten season meaning
These customs, though not always sanctioned by the Church, remain deeply embedded in Filipino culture. They speak of a spirituality that is both collective and personal, where rituals passed down through generations continue to shape how faith is lived and felt.
While some in urban areas and among younger generations may now view these beliefs as mere stories—echoes from a time when faith was practiced with deep meaning and strict devotion—many of these traditions remain vibrant in some areas especially in provinces. There, the sacred chants still echo and hear, the silence is observed with reverence, and the mindful rituals, what to eat, what to avoid, are honored with quiet faith. These customs are not just remembered; they are still lived.
So perhaps the question isn't whether these superstitions are disappearing, but rather: how are they evolving? Because in many corners of the Philippines, these beliefs continue to live on.
