Every year, during November 1 and 2, people flock in droves to various cemeteries across the country in order to pay respects to their deceased loved ones. Todos Los Santos or Undas, is celebrated during these 2 days and is always a time to remember the memory of those who have gone before us.

This year will be different, as most cemeteries will be closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Yet we can still pray for our departed and commemorate them while at home. We can't help but miss this yearly observance, together with the fun and memorable things we do during our cemetery visits.

Here are some moments unique to us Filipinos during Undas:

1. Food feast

What is a Pinoy celebration without food? Even during All Saints' Day, a lot of families will make the effort to cook the night before and bring food with them, so they will have something to eat during their stay at their family graves or mausoleums.

While there may be fast food kiosks around the huge cemeteries, there are families who bring pots of dishes, rice, and snack favorites. Some of these are even offerings or atang, placed at the graves of the deceased. In short, the living and the dead enjoy a feast together.

2. A walk around the cemetery

Even during this solemn observation, a lot of young people roam around the cemetery to ward off their boredom. It's one way to explore the place, see other graves, and hopefully, meet new people. Make sure they’re among the living, okay?

3. 3. Sing-a-long sessions

Whether it's with a guitar or your phone's playlist, your whole day stay at the cemetery can turn into a jamming session. Some people even rent a videoke machine, if the cemetery allows it. Don't forget to be mindful of your surroundings, though, and don’t sing too loudly!

4. Overnight stay at the cemetery

As early as October 31, there are families already visiting the cemetery to avoid traffic, and camp out until the next day. Meanwhile, there are some who prefer visiting on November 1. Yes, they would sleep in the cemetery if there are spaces available.

5. Making a melted candle wax ball

This is a fun activity that involves gathering candle wax drippings from lighted candles and rolling it into a ball. There are those who would go as far as walking around the plots and getting the excess candle wax from the graves, so they can make a candle wax ball as huge as one’s hand.

These memories are a part of our own unique observation of Todos Los Santos. We hope we can visit the resting places of our loved ones who have passed on. Until then, we pray for the eternal repose of their souls. We hope that someday, we can personally visit their graves so we can gather once again and look back on fond memories.