As a Cebuano, what do these Filipino Lent traditions mean to you?
How is Lent celebrated in the Philippines?
Due to the country’s deep religious background, the Lenten season is widely observed among Catholics and Christians through the practice of various religious traditions, most of which include prayer and reflection.
This is a solemn time for many, as most establishments temporarily close to let devotees adhere to time-honored customs and practices like fasting, abstinence, masses, prayer vigils, and processions, just to name a few.
This period typically falls in March and April, starting on Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter Sunday 40 days later.
Lenten season in the Philippines is also considered a long holiday, which locals take advantage of as they spend this time with loved ones at home or in the countryside.
Filipino Lent traditions vary from region to region – some done throughout the entire community, while others are observed in the solemnity of their homes.
But what are some common Lent traditions observed in Cebu?
The island has a rich history in Catholicism, especially since it was the first region to be baptized into Christianity. There are many customs that have been passed down from generations past that are still being fulfilled today.
FILIPINO LENT TRADITIONS IN CEBU
- Pasos
One of the oldest Holy Week traditions in the Philippines, “pasos” refers to religious floats depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. These are carried out during foot processions, with devotees holding up candles while reciting a prayer.
Its primary purpose is to visualize the passion and death of Christ, which is a fascinating way for Cebuanos to show off their religious devotion and artistic flair.
Most artists pay thousands of pesos to design their floats, as was taught to them by their ancestors.
This tradition dates back centuries, with many examples becoming relics and antiques set up in museums and galleries. Several notable churches have pasos on display as well, with the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish in Bantayan having the largest number of religious images and tableaus depicting the passion and death of Jesus.
- Visita Iglesia
Another Cebu Holy Week tradition is the Visita Iglesia, where devotees visit seven, sometimes fourteen, churches, symbolizing the Seven Last Words of Jesus or the Stations of the Cross.
This is a common Lenten tradition around the country, but why is it so famous in Cebu?
The island is home to some of the oldest churches in the Philippines, with several maintaining their European-inspired Baroque architecture.
Popular churches in Cebu City for Visita Iglesia include the Basilica del Sto. Niño and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which are renowned historical landmarks as well. This Lenten tradition also doubles as an interesting heritage tour for visitors to the island.
- Abstaining from Meat
Fasting during Lent in the Philippines usually involves the avoidance of any meat dishes during Ash Wednesday and every Friday leading up to Holy Week. To adhere to this, establishments update their menus to include fish and other seafood items for those who wish to observe this practice.
This is the only time in Cebu where the beloved Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s is sold. Also, despite being a permanent menu item today, Jollibee’s Tuna Pie was previously a Lenten season exclusive.
But if you visit a Filipino household or streetside eatery, chances are you’ll be introduced to binignit, a popular vegetable stew commonly made during Lent.
Known for its myriad of flavors, it is often served as a snack or dessert after church mass.
- Buhing Kalbaryo
Senakulo is a stage play commonly done by Filipinos depicting the final days of Jesus, and while the Cebu Archdiocese showcases this event, the Cebu City government has their own unique twist to it with the Buhing Kalbaryo.
Instead of being shown on a stage, this theatrical play is performed along the streets of Cebu City. It features what is called the Via Crucis, wherein the actor portraying Jesus Christ carries a cross along the different barangays of the city.
Usually performed on Good Friday, this is a spectacle that many come to see. It is a way for performers to celebrate Holy Week through the art of acting and dancing.
GOING TO BANTAYAN ISLAND FOR HOLY WEEK
Why is Bantayan Island a popular destination during Holy Week?
For many years, Cebuanos have been known to celebrate the Lenten season by visiting the remote island in northern Cebu. So much so that it was deemed to be the island’s fiesta, which happens to be incorrect.
Just like other areas in Cebu, the remote island celebrates a solemn and quiet Lent, focusing mostly on religious observance. The misconception of Holy Week on Bantayan Island being a fiesta comes from an exemption granted to the island by the Pope many years ago.
According to CDN Digital, a Papal Indult (a special permission wherein one is exempt from the general rules of the Catholic Church) was granted to Bantayan in 1824.
Historians have mentioned that this allowed natives of Bantayan to eat meat during Holy Week, as its residents primarily consumed fish and seafood throughout the year.
Despite it lasting only until 1853, the natives simply forgot and continued to eat meat years after. However, this has long been passed and Holy Week on Bantayan Island is treated as a solemn celebration all the same.
In line with this, the island hosts the Santo Entierro, which is a foot procession of the image of the deceased Jesus. Instead of representing Jesus’ crucifixion, this depicts his burial.
The process takes place all around town to encourage residents to join in on the procession.
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Filipinos are known for their religious fervor. They can get creative with how they celebrate certain religious holidays and even use it as an opportunity to spend more time with family and loved ones.
In Holy Week 2025, we will once again witness the passionate devotion of Cebuanos as they observe the aforementioned Filipino Lent traditions.
Even for non-practicing Catholics, they are able to use this time to reflect or explore their spirituality. The city streets will mostly be deserted, and it can inspire others to meditate, relax, or spend time with the people they care about.
