IN PHOTOS: How Filipinos are preparing for Holy Week 2025

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Rappler’s faith chat room members begin to prepare, pray, and reflect as Holy Week approaches

MANILA, Philippines – Christians around the world observe Holy Week — a culmination of the 40-day season of Lent — from April 13 to 19.

It begins on Palm Sunday, which commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and ends on Easter Sunday, celebrating his resurrection from the dead.

Filipino faithful begin to hold processions, conduct prayer sessions, and take part in other preparations as Holy Week approaches.

Catholic devotees at Santo Niño Parish in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, participate in an interactive Way of the Cross activity — “Ang Daan ng Krus ni Kristo” — on April 9, 2025. Photo from Carl E. Logon

A pilgrim image of Jesus Nazareno is brought to San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in Malibay, Pasay City, on April 9, 2025, a few days before Holy Week begins. Photo by Raymond G. Magayanes

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente Tangub parish in Misamis Occidental conducts the “Estasyon Heneral” along the city’s streets on April 11, 2025. The activity is meant to reflect on Jesus’ passion and death. Photo from Fr. Ruel Langi

Viernes de Dolores

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, the religious gathered for the Viernes de Dolores, which commemorates the seven sorrows of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente in Mandaluyong City commemorates the Viernes de Dolores with a Mass and solemn procession at the Cathedral of the Holy Child on April 11, 2025. Photo from IFI Mandaluyong Social Communications Ministry

Catholic devotees in Marilao, Bulacan, join the Viernes de Dolores or Friday of Sorrow on April 11, 2025, at the St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Photo by Commission on Social Communications-Kawal ni Ige

Pabasa ng Pasyong Mahal

During the Lenten season, some religious participate in pabasa, a Filipino tradition that involves the chanting or singing of a poem narrating the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Students from the Far Eastern University hold the Pabasa ng Pasyong Mahal at the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel in FEU Manila on April 11, 2025. Photo from Lharz Dapla

Members of the University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action gather on April 11, 2025, for a “pabasa.” Photo by JB Tan

Senakulo

Young Christians also held rehearsals for this year’s Senakulo — a traditional Filipino theatrical performance that reenacts the passion and death of Jesus Christ — ahead of Holy Week. 

Youth from the Our Lady of Peace Parish in Parañaque City prepare for this year’s Senakulo. Photo by OLPP SocComm

The Youth Ministry of Our Lady of the Airways Parish in Pasay City holds a tech and dress rehearsal for its 2025 Senakulo titled “Engkwentro” on April 9, 2025. Photo from Airways SocCom

The Parish Youth Ministry of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, holds a rehearsal for its 2025 Senakulo titled “Narito Ang Inyong Anak” on April 9, 2025. Photos from PYM OMPH

Got photos of Holy Week traditions in your community? Share them with us in the faith chat room of the Rappler Communities app. – Rappler.com