Holy Week Traditions and Their Significance

It’s that time of year again—a week of reflection, a time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Holy Land. Every year, different traditions and practices are observed by Catholics during the Lenten season. In this article, we walk you through some of these significant practices, exploring their meaning, why they are observed, and their importance in the lives of the faithful.

Filipino culture is rich in diverse traditions that reflect deep spirituality, shared values, and a sense of communal bonds. Among the most significant practices observed during Holy Week are: the Pabasa ng Pasyon, Visita Iglesia, Palm Sunday Procession, Holy Wednesday Procession, Cenaculo, Pagtunton/Pagsalubong, Via Crucis, and Fasting & Abstinence. These traditions, while distinct, are united in their focus on faith, family, and community.

What is Pabasa ng Pasyon?
Pabasa which means “to read” or “to chant,” is a Filipino religious tradition, especially observed during Holy Week that is performed by groups of people or even families. It involves poetic chanting that narrates the life of Jesus Christ, his passion, death, and resurrection.

Devotees take turns reading or singing the verses of the Pasyon, with one person leading the chant and the rest of the group responding. The activity is typically held in front of an altar decorated with flowers, candles, lights, and an image of Jesus Christ. This can last for several hours or even days, depending on the flow.

This tradition is done to give a chance for reflection on Christ’s sacrifices.

What is Visita Iglesia?
Filipino Catholics typically visit churches on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday as part of their panata, or sacred vow. This is called “Visita Iglesia,” one of the famous Lenten traditions. Some visit seven churches to represent the Seven Last Words or the Holy Wounds of Jesus Christ or some visit fourteen churches, aligning with the fourteen Stations of the Cross.

There’s no fixed prayer routine for this devotion. Some pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament or recite the Rosary, while others do a personal prayer. This gives believers a chance to ask for forgiveness for their sins, pray for their loved ones, and show gratitude for the blessings they have in their lives.

Aside from that, some devotees choose to walk barefoot from one church to another as a way to experience a small part of Christ’s suffering on his journey to the crucifixion. In some cases, they may even carry a cross. However, most people travel by car, often with family and friends, visiting churches that are farther apart.

What is the Palm Sunday Procession?
Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is celebrated with processions, palm branch blessings, and readings from the Gospels, all of which symbolize humility and the arrival of a king of peace. As described in the Gospels, Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, a powerful image of humility and peace that fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. He was greeted by crowds waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna,” a cry meaning “Save us now,” reflecting their hope in Him as the promised Messiah.

Today, churches observe Palm Sunday with processions that reenact this entry, beginning outside and moving toward the church for Mass, during which the palm branches are blessed. These blessed palms, considered sacred, are later burned to create ashes for the next year’s Ash Wednesday.

What is Holy Wednesday Procession?
On Holy Wednesday, Filipino Catholics observe a deeply rooted tradition known as the “Prusisyon,” a solemn procession in which religious statues depicting the Passion of Christ are paraded through the streets as a powerful expression of faith, devotion, and remembrance. This procession typically features life-sized statues, often mounted on ornate carriages or “carosas,” illustrating key moments in Jesus’s suffering and death. As these sacred images move through towns and cities, devotees follow with lighted candles, creating an atmosphere of reverence and solemnity.

The event not only commemorates Christ’s Passion but also serves as an opportunity for personal reflection, prayer, and acts of penance. Beyond its religious significance, the Holy Wednesday procession is also a rich cultural expression, showcasing the enduring traditions and spiritual depth of the Filipino people during Holy Week.

What is Cenaculo/Senakulo?
The Cenaculo (or Senakulo) is a dramatic re-enactment of the passion and death of Christ. Often referred to as the “Pasyon y Muerte” or Passion Play, the Senakulo traces its roots to the late 17th and early 18th centuries when the first Pasyon text was written. Unlike the Pasyon, which is traditionally chanted in a mournful tone called tagulaylay, the Senakulo dramatizes key scenes from the Passion narrative, bringing them to life through acting.

Historically, the Senakulo evolved alongside the Pasyong Henesis or Pasyong Pilapil, a popular version of the Pasyon that emerged in the 19th century. This version made the performance even lengthier, with some provincial productions lasting 7 to 8 days. In urban areas, however, condensed versions of the Senakulo are typically staged on Good Friday, focusing primarily on Christ’s agony.

The Senakulo is a deeply communal activity, with local townspeople participating in its production. The town or church plaza often serves as the stage, where the scenes—especially the Crucifixion—are performed. In some cases, the performance even extends into the streets. Participants create props, sew costumes, and construct the stage in anticipation of Holy Week. The Senakulo is not just a play; it is an expression of faith, uniting the community in the reenactment of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. The final scene often leads directly into the Seven Last Words service or the procession of the Santo Entierro.

What is Pagtunton/Pagsalubong?
Pagtunton, also known as Pagsalubong, marks the beginning of Easter Sunday celebrations for many Filipinos. This ritual procession takes place before dawn, with devout Catholics rising as early as 3 or 4 a.m. to participate. The Pagsalubong symbolizes the meeting of two figures—Mary, still in mourning for her Son, and the Risen Christ, triumphant over death.

The procession is divided into two routes: one for the women, who carry the statue of Mary draped in a black mourning dress, and one for the men, who carry the statue of the Risen Christ. Along the way, statues of saints who were present during Christ’s final days are also included, each carefully cared for by pious families in the town. The two groups meet at an outdoor stage, beautifully decorated for the occasion, where Mary’s mourning veil is lifted, symbolizing the moment of her recognition of the Risen Christ.

The significance of Pagsalubong is profound—it represents the joyous moment of Christ’s resurrection, the turning of sorrow into joy, and the triumph of life over death. It is a moment of shared celebration for the community, one that underscores the central message of Easter: hope and renewal.

What is Via Crucis (Station of the Cross)?
The Via Crucis, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a Christian tradition that commemorates the journey of Jesus Christ to his crucifixion. Devotees walk from one station to another, while praying and reflecting on the events in the life of Jesus, especially his final hours before being nailed to the cross. There are usually 14 stations, each representing a significant event in His Passion, from His condemnation to His burial.

At each station, prayers are offered that correspond to a specific event. This devotion is performed to honor Christ’s sacrifice and serves as an opportunity for believers to reflect, repent for their sins, and pray for their loved ones. It is typically held in churches or locations with images or symbols of the stations of the cross.

What is Fasting & Abstinence?
It is obligatory for Catholics to do fasting and abstinence during Good Friday. Fasting means eating one full meal or can be divided into smaller portions throughout the day as long as it is equivalent to one full meal. It is required between the ages of 18 and 59. Meanwhile, abstinence is refraining from eating meat such as pork, beef, and chicken that is required for those aged 14 and older.

The fasting on Good Friday also lasts if possible until the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

While Holy Week offers a dedicated time for reflection, penance, and spiritual renewal, the values and lessons behind these traditions are not meant to be confined to just one week each year. The spirit of prayer, sacrifice, humility, and faith that drives practices like the Pabasa ng Pasyon, Visita Iglesia, and various processions can continue to guide our lives long after Easter Sunday has passed. These traditions are more than rituals, they are living expressions of our faith, cultural identity, and commitment to walk in the footsteps of Christ daily. By embracing their meaning throughout the year, we keep the essence of Holy Week alive in our actions, relationships, and connection to God.