Holy Week in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Holy Week (Filipino: Mahal na Araw or Semana Santa) is a significant religious observance for the country's Catholic majority, the Philippine Independent Church (Iglesia Filipina Independiente), and most Protestant groups. The Philippines is one of the few majority-Christian countries in Asia. As of 2023, Catholics made up 78.8 percent of the country's population, and the Catholic Church remains one of the country's dominant sociopolitical forces.

The solemn celebration of Holy Week begins on Friday of Sorrows (exactly one week before Good Friday), continues through Palm Sunday, and ends on Easter Sunday, lasting slightly over a week. Many communities observe Spanish-influenced Catholic rituals, such as processions, which have been syncretized with elements of precolonial beliefs. This is evident in some ritual practices not sanctioned by the universal Church and in the many superstitions associated with the occasion.

The days of the Easter Triduum (Latin for “Three Days”), from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday— known as Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday elsewhere—are national holidays. During this period, many businesses are closed or operate on shorter hours. It is also customary for domestic radio and television stations to go off the air, with some stations instead broadcasting appropriately themed programs, such as religious dramas, films, and live coverage of liturgies and Masses.

Holy Week in the Philippines is also one of the highly anticipated annual long weekends in the country. Non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics often use this holiday for travel, resulting in a peak season in most Philippine tourist destinations.