Millions of Filipinos expected to visit ancestors’ graves to mark All Saints’ Day
It is the first time that people will be able to visit cemeteries during the season of Undas, or All Saints' Day, since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Millions of Filipinos are expected to visit the cemeteries to pay their respects to their ancestors starting this weekend.
MANILA: It is a tradition for Ms Jenny Alahambra and her family to visit her late grandmother's grave during the Undas season.
Undas - or All Saints’ Day - falls on Tuesday (Nov 1) and is celebrated in honour of all the Christian saints.
“We visit the cemetery every year, but we missed coming here (during the past two years) because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ms Alahambra.
“This year, we decided to visit before Undas so we can bring the children, rather than on Nov 1, which is more crowded."
However, severe Tropical Storm Nalgae has scuppered plans for Filipinos in Manila to pay their respects to their ancestors.
The city's mayor ordered the closure of the capital's cemeteries on Saturday to ensure the safety of the public.
Millions of Filipinos in regions not affected by the storm will carry on with the traditional activity that starts this weekend.
It is the first time that they will be able to do so during the Undas season since the pandemic began, though some safety restrictions will be taken.
Manila North Cemetery, the biggest cemetery in the capital, is where many were expected to converge.
The management had planned for additional health precautions.
Manila North Cemetery director Roselle Castaneda said this included disallowing food carts inside the cemetery.
The cemetery had also put in place requirements for visitors to wear masks while queuing at the entrance, even though masks are now optional outdoors in the country. There were also plans to bar the entry of children under 12 years old who are not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Vendors peddling various items from flowers to candles had been looking forward to making big sales this year.
The public has been advised to wait for further announcements regarding the resumption of operations at the cemeteries.
