Filipino families keep their loved ones close
Summary
Thousands of Filipinos gathered at cemeteries across Manila on All Saints' Day to honor departed loved ones during Undas, a tradition rooted in Catholic observance and older ancestor veneration customs. Families brought flowers, candles, food, and prayers as they remembered the dead and passed the practice to younger generations.
Key Points
- Thousands of Filipinos visited cemeteries across Manila to mark All Saints' Day and honor deceased relatives.
- Undas combines Catholic observance with older Filipino traditions of ancestor worship and remembrance.
- Families offered flowers, candles, prayers and food while sharing stories about the dead and teaching the custom to children.
- Experts say the practice predates Spanish colonization and reflects long-standing beliefs in honoring ancestral spirits.
