HOLY Week holds immense significance in our predominantly Catholic country, where the week serves as a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. Traditionally, Filipinos observe Holy Week with devout religious practices steeped in centuries-old customs.
Palm Sunday begins with the blessing of palm fronds, followed by processions and reenactments of our Lord Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are marked with solemnity, as Filipinos engage in “Visita Iglesia,” praying the Stations of the Cross, and attending special rites.
During one very memorable Holy Week, my late wife Mira, then in the advance stage of her ailment, said she wanted to visit churches. We started at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus beside Villamor Air Base. St. Therese is the reincarnation of the former Philippine Air Force chapel where we got married more than half a century ago. It was also the same church where we celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary in 2009. Because of her medical condition, we completed the Visita not in one, but in two days.
In Pampanga, some devotees go so far as to be nailed to crosses as an act of penance and devotion—an awe-inspiring, albeit controversial, ritual that draws crowds from around the country and even abroad.
Despite these deeply spiritual practices, a growing trend treats Holy Week as an extended vacation. Many take advantage of the national holidays to unwind, traveling to distant resorts or returning to their ancestral homes in the provinces for family reunions. This modern practice often highlights the tension between religious observance and secular leisure, with some lamenting the loss of solemnity in favor of fun and relaxation.
The surge in travel during Holy Week brings with it a host of common challenges. Transportation—whether by land, sea or air—becomes a logistical nightmare. Overcrowded bus terminals, and ports are a common sight, with travelers scrambling to secure tickets. The increased demand often leads to delays, and fares tend to spike during this period. Traffic jams are an inevitable part of the journey, especially along major highways heading to popular tourist destinations. In anticipation of the holiday rush, the Philippine National Police deploys thousands of traffic enforcers.
Additionally, accommodations in vacation hotspots are often fully booked weeks in advance, leaving late planners in a bind. On the spiritual front, those who remain in urban areas might find it difficult to observe traditional practices amidst the hustle and bustle, with some churches overwhelmed by the influx of parishioners.
Holy Week in the Philippines is a unique juxtaposition of sacred devotion and secular activities, a testament to our country’s dynamic culture. Whether through attending solemn rites or enjoying the company of loved ones, the week serves as a reminder of faith, family, and the resilience of traditions amidst modernity.
