Black Saturday, also known as Sabado de Gloria in the Philippines, is a day of quiet mourning and reflection. It marks the time when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after His crucifixion, a solemn pause between the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday.
In many Filipino homes, Black Saturday is observed with subdued activities. The atmosphere remains calm and reverent—TV and radio programming are minimal, and many still avoid parties or loud gatherings out of respect for the Holy Week spirit.
Traditionally, no Mass is held during the day, as the Church remains in mourning. Instead, Filipinos visit churches for personal prayer, reflection, and reciting the Rosary. The silence symbolises waiting and anticipation for the Resurrection.
In the evening, however, the mood begins to shift. Some parishes hold the Easter Vigil Mass, often starting after sunset. It’s a beautiful, candle-lit ceremony that begins in darkness and slowly fills with light and music, symbolising the transition from death to life, from grief to hope.
While Black Saturday is often less highlighted than Good Friday or Easter Sunday, it plays a crucial role in the rhythm of Holy Week in the Philippines—a time to pause, reflect, and prepare the heart for the joy of Easter.
[Photo by Osviel Rodriguez Valdés]
