Where to Spend the Holy Week this 2023

Aside from our being family-oriented, Filipinos are generally known to be religious. Besides East Timor, it is the only predominantly Catholic nation in Asia with more than 80 percent of its population registered as Catholics. This could be attributed to the historical fact that the greatest influence the Spaniards gave our country after more than 300 years of Spanish occupation is Christianity.

Hence, it is not a surprise that the Holy Week is such a special spiritual occasion for many Filipinos. During this non-working holiday, Filipinos go to religious sites to whisper their prayers for good health and prosperity, as well as gratitude for the gift of life. If you don't have a destination to spend the holidays to yet, Lumina Homes gathered some of the best Holy Week sites to visit this 2023.

Holy Week in the Philippines: Lenten Season Destinations

The Palm Sunday on April 2 signals the start of the Holy Week traditions. But the actual Holy Week is composed of the following days starting April 24, 2023.

• Holy Monday

• Holy Tuesday

• Holy Wednesday

• Maundy Thursday

• Good Friday

• Black Saturday

• Easter Sunday

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are considered non-working holidays to observe solemn religious practices among Catholic families. By Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Catholics commemorate it by performing a Salubong ritual. Men will carry the statue of the Risen Christ in one procession, while mourning women in a black veil follow the picture of the Virgin Mary, until the two processions meet in one place.

Related Story: Holy Week Traditions in the Philippines

Without more ado, refer to our list below to plan your trip for the Holy Week.

La Union

In Northern Luzon, La Union hosts various sacred sites for Holy Week pilgrims. To start the day, you might want to visit any of these seven churches in La Union, which are famously frequented by locals and tourists alike:

• Saint John the Baptist Church

• St. Michael the Archangel Church

• Saint William the Hermit Cathedral

• Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan and Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish

• Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity

• San Nicolas de Tolentino Church

• Pindangan Ruins

Pangasinan

The province of Pangasinan is home to the famous Our Lady of Manaoag. It is not only popular to Luzon residents but also to Metro Manila visitors. Holy Week or just a regular weekend, the Manaoag church is packed with pilgrims wishing for good health and safety for the entire family. It is also a tradition for new car owners to go to this church for their vehicle to be blessed. Considered the "Catholic Mecca of the Philippines," devotees also narrate having experienced miraculous encounters, which is another reason why it's frequented by pilgrims.

After going to Manaoag Church for religious reflections, you can relax and unwind at the world-famous Hundred Islands in Alaminos. This is perfect for families and friends who want to be close to nature to spend a vacation and be relaxed after a grueling day job in the bustling city.

Tarlac

Central Luzon's "Melting Pot" makes for a perfect Holy Week destination. In Monasterio de Tarlac in San Jose town lies the 30-foot giant statue of the Risen Christ symbolically blessing the province and its pilgrims. Another perfect destination is in the town of Bamban where its "Holy Land" comprise life-size depictions of the Holy Rosary's mysteries, as well as several Bible verses. For the adrenaline junkie, you can proceed to a trekking adventure to Mount Pinatubo or Mount Telakawa in Capas. You can also chase waterfall destinations through Ubod Falls in San Clemente or the majestic ANZAP Twin Falls in Mayantoc town.

Pampanga

Located south of Tarlac is the province of Pampanga. In the City of Fernando, it is known for devotees who perform their religious practices by reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a gesture of repentance of their sins. Visitors can witness this reenactment and quietly reflect on the occasion's sacredness. In addition, the City of San Fernando is also a popular destination during the birth of Jesus Christ and has been dubbed as the country's Christmas capital.

Iloilo

Which part of the Philippines is ideal to commemorate Semana Santa if not Iloilo, known to be the City of Love? As many of us would agree, love is not just limited to romantic relationships, but could also be celebrated with the family and practice the love of God. Iloilo is also home to classic and centuries-old churches such as the Miagao Church, a UNESCO World-recognized baroque church in the country. After visiting Iloilo for Visita Iglesia, you can embark on a boat ride to Guimaras Island, a neighboring province that is rich of beach destinations to relax.

Zamboanga del Sur

In Mindanao, Zamboanga del Sur is the ideal destination to observe the Holy Week tradition. In Zamboanga City, it is home to the Pulong Bato in Abong Abong Park where 14 stations of the cross lay numinously for the droves of visitors to whisper their solemn prayers and take a rest before proceeding near the apex of Mount Columbato, where the Holy Cross is situated.

After paying homage to the Blessed Sacrament and visiting seven Catholic churches for Visita Iglesia, consider embarking on a site visit to Lumina Homes communities nationwide if you're eyeing an affordable house and lot for sale outside Metro Manila.

Lumina Homes have built its presence in all religious sites mentioned above — Lumina La Union in San Juan, Lumina Pangasinan in Manaoag, Lumina Tarlac in Tarlac City and Concepcion, Lumina Pampanga in the City of San Fernando and Mexico, Lumina Iloilo in Oton town, and Lumina Zamboanga del Sur in Pagadian City, among others.

Lumina Homes have over 50 key housing projects in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. All of our communities are near essential establishments, including places of worship for the observance of the Holy Week traditions among Filipino Catholics.

Inquire your real estate investment concerns with us today and bless your future house and lot in the Philippines with Lumina Homes.