Being a Catholic nation, one of the most important religious holidays celebrated all over the Philippines is the festival of Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day). Every year on the first and second of November, families flock together to pay homage to saints and their departed loved ones.

5 Ultimate Destinations in Cebu during Undas | Cebu Finest

While it is widely known that this holiday involves visiting the resting place of the deceased loved ones, there are actually several places where people go to during this religious holiday.

5 Ultimate Destinations in Cebu during Undas

Here are five ultimate destinations in Cebu you might want to visit during Undas.

1) Churches

The church designates the first day of November as All Saints Day and the second as All Souls Day, but over time Filipinos call the former ‘Araw ng mga Patay’ or the day of the dead. Prayers and masses are offered in several churches in Cebu in honor to the saints and for the repose of the souls of the departed that they may rest in peace.

5 Ultimate Destinations in Cebu during Undas | Cebu Finest — [Photo credit: Wikipedia; PatrickLloyd]

Suggestion: Majority of Cebuanos visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to pray and offer masses for their deceased loved ones.

2) Cemeteries

Cemeteries are one of the ultimate destinations during Undas and are suddenly transformed into an ocean of light as millions of candles are lit in remembrance of the dead. Families bring food, flowers, music, and candles to their departed loved ones. Most actually stay overnight, camping on the gravestones as many believe that the souls of their dead return to earth to join in the celebration.

Suggestion: Carreta Cemetery is one of the biggest public cemeteries in Cebu where lots of families flock together to celebrate the day of the dead.

3) Parks

Majority of the Filipinos including the Cebuanos have this belief that one shouldn’t hastily return to their homes when visiting the dead. Otherwise, the spirit of the dead will follow you home. Hence, people take a stroll and stay on several parks in Cebu to spend time and do activities together with their friends or families.

Suggestion: Plaza Independencia, a former military training, and parade ground, is now a spacious park in Cebu City where people can stroll around and relax.

4) Beaches

Beaches are one of the ultimate destinations in Cebu during Undas to relax and enjoy the holiday. Some Cebuanos no longer follow the traditional way of celebrating this religious holiday. Some believe that they need not go to cemeteries or churches to honor the dead as they are in their hearts always.