If Japan has Golden Week. The Philippines has Holy Week. It is a week-long Catholic tradition of the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the biggest Catholic countries in the world. More than 80 million Filipinos out of 113 million population identified themselves as Catholics. As such, major Catholic events and celebrations are a big deal in the country.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a day of prayer, fasting, and abstinence from meat. Catholic devotees attend the holy mass and receive the cross ash placed by the priest on the head. The act is accompanied by the line “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” which symbolizes mortality
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Palm Sunday reenacts the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem and being welcomed by people waving palm branches. For Catholic devotees, the event symbolizes the acceptance of Jesus Christ.
Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday remain to be regular working days, devotees gather for a procession of the Stations of the Cross. The starting point of the procession is usually the church and there are designated spots in the streets for the 14 stations. The procession usually takes place early in the morning at sunrise.
Maundy Thursday is the highlight of the day is the mass of the Lord’s Supper, popularly known as the Last Supper. In most churches, the Washing of the Feet of the Twelve Apostles is reenacted.
Good Friday considered the most solemn day of the week. Holy Mass is not celebrated on this day but people are encouraged to meditate, pray, and listen to the Seven Last Words (Siete Palabras) often broadcasted both on national tv and local radio networks.
Black Saturday is the mourning of the death of Jesus Christ. This is also the night when religious images, statues, and vehicles are blessed.
Easter Sunday is a joyous celebration among Catholics. Easter Sunday celebration starts were angels throwing flowers, bells ringing loudly, bands playing, and fireworks. During this day, Filipino Catholic families celebrate by preparing foods for family members to enjoy.
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