By Chester Cruz

Pubmat by Ericka Villaseñor

Something wonderful stirs in the hearts of the Filipinos when October throws its shadow and the whispers of the wind grow colder. It’s a time when the line between the living and the departed blurs and the air is thick with mystery; a time when we hear knocks and loud chants of “trick or treat” from neighborhood kids. While Halloween is a season full of tricks and frights, the Filipino version of the celebration has a special place in the hearts of the people as a wonderful expression of love and tradition. 

In the midst of gentle winds and the sound of leaves underfoot, the Filipino Halloween emerges as a harmonious blend of ancient customs and family ties. As one of the most anticipated holidays in the country, Halloween prompts various traditions and preparations that beautifully reflect its rich cultural heritage. Pumpkin spices (from lattes to cookies), caramel apples, cinnamon rolls, bonfires and s’mores, and candlelit evenings. These are some of the October traditions that can lighten any spine-chilling spooky season. But with the Philippines not having an autumn season or any warm-toned leaves that can romanticize these aesthetics, there is a different tapestry weaved with familial ties, social spirit, and a hint of the mystical. 

Welcome to “Pinoy Halloween,” a holiday that embraces the haunting and cherishes the hugs—a celebration that highlights the mysterious nature of Filipino culture.  

The Long-Awaited Break  

With everyone being busy for the whole year round, the last week of October to the first week of November is the perfect time to recharge. Students call it the semestral break or wellness break, while most working adults treat it as a long weekend. It’s a time to unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and bask in the warmth of family and friends. 

The Filipino culture in itself is interlaced with the excitement for this break. For students, it’s a much-desired break from the responsibilities of school, a chance to breathe easily without the pressure of homework and tests. Working adults see it as a source of comfort and an occasional opportunity to leave the rigidity of their workplace and relish in the warmth of their hometowns. Additionally, this break is eagerly anticipated not just because it will provide for some much-needed relaxation but also because it will allow for the special connections and ephemeral moments that only Halloween can bring.

Family Reunions 

Familial ties are one of the most important values in Philippine culture.  We hold our family in the highest esteem and prioritize them above anything else. This is rooted from our cultural values such as respect for elders and togetherness. The Filipinos always just have a way to insert family reunions in every holiday break throughout the year—and the Halloween season is not an exception. 

For those who work in the busy cities of the country, this is a time for them to go home to their families in their own provinces. This tradition is very clear in the long bus terminal lines every end of October. When offices and schools are closed, we take time away from our busy schedules to spend time and reconnect with our loved ones. Many families, particularly those with relatives working in faraway places, take advantage of this vacation to spend time together. This also allows people to visit the graves of their loved ones and observe All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day after Halloween. Whether it’s a large family reunion or a small gathering, Halloween serves as the setting for priceless memories. 

Not Your Usual “Overnight”  

All Souls’ Day is not that far from Halloween, which is why this tradition is closely associated with the holiday. Often referred to as Undas, it often the time in Filipino culture wherein one visits their departed loved ones. As October says farewell and November ushers in the holiday of Undas, individuals get the chance to reunite with both their living and departed loved ones. Families make pilgrimages to cemeteries during Undas, converting these places into thriving, living memorials. Candles, fragrant sampaguita flowers, and elaborately woven coconut leaves are often used to embellish gravestones. Some people even make it a practice to leave food on these gravestones. 

Likewise, a significant aspect of this unique tradition involves spending the night in cemeteries. Families gather to share meals, say prayers, and talk about cherished memories as they are illuminated by the soothing glow of candles. The line between the living and deceased appears to melt in this serene, contemplative setting, generating a sense of lifelong connectedness. 

The common things to do during these overnight stays include padasal or prayer services for the departed soul, as well as sharing food, playing games, and catching up with family. The Undas overnight starter pack often involves kakanin, home-cooked meals, and some snacks to chomp on throughout the night. The cemeteries are also filled with stalls selling street food, lighting sticks, balloons, and cotton candy, among others. This tradition is not merely a night of reverence, but also offers a beacon of support to cemetery caretakers and vendors.  

Bonds Over Halloween Specials 

If your family is the type to lay down and stay inside your house over the Undas break, watching the Halloween specials may be one of your usual activities. During this season, most TV networks showcase a variety of horror movies during the weekends instead of their usual shows. With their spine-tingling tales, specialized television programs like Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho: Gabi ng Lagim fascinate viewers. These episodes not only amuse but also give families and friends a shared experience. Don’t we all just anticipate the next part after the iconic “abangan?”  

While the tradition of binge-watching horror content during Halloween is not unique to the Philippines, there is a reason why this kind of bonding holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. Most of these special episodes display the different spooky experiences in our country which often involve ancestral mysteries. Aside from the terrifying experience, there are several moments that never fail to make us chuckle, either because of the real scenes or because of the exaggerated reactions of the people watching with us. 

There are surely more ways for the Filipinos to turn this haunting time of the year into a heartwarming one. Pinoy Halloween is about finding solace in one another, not only in dread. There is an undeniable sense of coziness and belonging in the middle of the creepy tales and haunting decor.  

So, the next time someone knocks on your door for a trick or treat, try to see the sweetness the candies you give out spread amongst your fellow Filipinos and make the most out of your Halloween season.