Easter Sunday, or Linggo ng Pagkabuhay, is a day of triumph and celebration in the Philippines. After days of solemn reflection during Holy Week, Filipinos joyfully commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a symbol of hope, renewal, and new beginnings.
The day often begins with the traditional Salubong, a pre-dawn ritual reenacting the meeting of the risen Christ and His mother, the Virgin Mary. Two processions—one led by men carrying the statue of Jesus, the other by women carrying Mary—come together in a joyful encounter, usually accompanied by church bells, singing, and the release of white doves.
Churches across the country hold festive Easter Masses, often with flowers, music, and uplifting homilies. Families dress in bright, fresh clothes and gather for special meals, usually featuring well-loved Filipino dishes like lechon, pancit, and kakanin (rice cakes).
In more modern celebrations, children enjoy Easter egg hunts in malls, parks, or even at home, blending local traditions with Western influences to create a uniquely Filipino Easter experience.
[Photo by Gift Habeshaw]
