Catholic devotees offer prayers as they complete the Stations of the Cross or the ‘Way of Sorrows’ at the San Agustin Church patio in Intramuros, Manila on April 5, 2023. The Stations of the Cross is a spiritual pilgrimage practiced by Catholics to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ as part of the observance of the Holy Week. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File  

In the Philippines, Catholicism’s Asian capital, Holy Week is marked with praying, fasting, and giving alms to the poor. 

Here are other Filipino traditions during Semana Santa, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. 

Blessing of palaspas

During the Mass on Palm Sunday, devotees bring palm leaves or branches, which they raise and waive to be blessed by the priest.  

Visita Iglesia

Visita Iglesia is a practice of visiting at least seven churches on Maundy Thursday to visit the Blessed Sacrament.

Some devotees walk barefoot from church to church or carry crosses, emulating the way Christ carried the cross to a hill where he was crucified.  

It is said to have originated from the practice of doing pilgrimage in the 7 basilicas in Rome.

While some devotees meditate on the 14th station of the cross, the purpose of Visita Iglesia is to visit and honor the Blessed Sacrament.

Prusisyon
Usually done during Holy Tuesday, Wednesday, and Good Friday, devotees go on long walks following images depicting scenes from the life of Christ, particularly those from his passion and death.

Siete Palabras 

Siete Palabras is the meditation on Jesus' seven last words before he died. This is usually aired on radio and television.

Pabasa ng Pasyon

One of the oldest Holy Week traditions, Pabasa refers to the recitation or chanting of the Passion story of Jesus. It usually runs over a 24-hour period and is done in front of an altar decorated with flowers, candles, lights and an image of Christ.  

Senakulo

Also known as Passion play, Senakulo is quite similar to the “Pabasa”, but it remembers Jesus Christs’ life, passion, death, and resurrection through a reenactment. Actors depict how Jesus lived and died through a detailed and dramatic play, usually drawing in a large crowd.

Salubong 

On Easter Sunday, devotees gather to witness an angel portrayed by a child who unveils the black cloth on Mother Mary’s face, symbolizing the end of mourning and agony for her son Jesus who is then proclaimed as risen once again.