Day of the Dead (Araw ng mga Patay) is a special holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a time for families and communities to come together to remember and honor their deceased loved ones.
The day starts with preparing foods for our lunch, then after that we will head to the San Narciso Cemetery to visit our uncle who passed away.
Healthy and Balanced Lunch
I'm in charge of grilling the fish
LUNCH TIME
After preparing all the food, it is time to eat for lunch. I The family gathers around the table, each member taking their designated seat. There's a sense of togetherness as we exchange smiles and engage in playful banter.
After the family lunch, there's a sense of fullness and contentment. The dining table is cleared, and any remaining dishes are put away. It's a time for the family to relax and let the food settle.
CEMETERY VISIT
The visit to the cemetery is a poignant and deeply meaningful experience. Families arrive at the gravesites of their deceased loved ones, where they may find other visitors paying their respects as well. The mood at the cemetery is typically one of reflection, remembrance, and reverence.
Families light candles and incense, place foods and offerings on the graves, and clean the tombstones. It's a time for personal communication with the departed, as family members share stories, memories, and prayers.
During the Day of the Dead celebrations, various vendors play a significant role in creating the festive atmosphere and providing essential items for those participating in the festivities. These vendors set up stalls or stands at cemeteries, public plazas, and other gathering places to offer a wide range of products and services. We decided to explore and buy foods along the way.
Tumba Tumba Event, a night full of scaring and horror
ATANG: OFFERINGS TO THE SPIRITS
At night time we give our respect to spirits who will enter our house by offering foods and drinks, we call those offerings "Atang", no one gets to walk near the offerings and most certainly no one cant touch or eat them. These offerings are meant to welcome and nourish the spirits as they return to the world of the living.
For a few hours we give thanks and space so that we do not disturb the spirits. After that we give a prayer, thank them and blow the candle.
Overall, the combination of a family lunch, a visit to the cemetery and Offerings are a powerful tradition that allows families to celebrate life, enjoy togetherness, and pay their respects to the spirits or departed loved ones. It's a time of reflection and connection that brings a sense of closure and continuity to the family's journey.
That is all for my blog today, Happy Halloween and have a great day everyone.