MANILA: Millions of Filipinos thronged cemeteries across the country on Saturday to mark Undas — the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations — and take part in traditional serenades and bonfires.
The events are part of the observance for some Filipinos, as they continue ancient practices to honor their dead loved ones.
For most people in the Catholic-majority nation, the holiday involves offering prayers, lighting candles and placing flower bouquets on tomb markers.
But in the mountain town of Sagada in Northern Luzon, the day is a chance for its indigenous Kankanaey residents to practice a centuries-old tradition of pinag-aapoy, which means “light a fire.”
Filipinos take part in centuries-old tradition of pinag-aapoy, which involves lighting bonfires by the tomb to keep the spirits warm, on Nov. 1, 2025 in Sagada town of Mountain Province, Philippines. (Kharyle Aben)
