ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Holy Week is not just a religious observance, but also a living tradition woven into the souls of many people in Zamboanga City. From solemn processions and melodious chants to hilltop pilgrimages and pre-dawn rituals, Zamboangueños come together in faith, family, and reflection.
The week begins with Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday), commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The faithful gather with woven palms, which are blessed before Mass. A procession follows – complete with singing and prayers – reenacting Christ’s entry, and setting the tone for the week ahead. Joy and sorrow intertwine as the Passion of the Lord is read during the Mass.
On Maundy Thursday, devotees embark on the Visita Iglesia, visiting seven churches to pray and reflect on the Stations of the Cross. This sacred tradition connects the community through quiet devotion and contemplative travel.
One of the most moving pilgrimages during Holy Week takes place at Abong-Abong Hill, a winding trail where the faithful climb from station to station, marked by life-sized depictions of Christ’s Passion. The uphill walk, often done barefoot and in silence, becomes a powerful act of penance. At the summit, a large cross watches over the city – a silent witness to prayers whispered into the wind.
On Good Friday, Zamboanga’s streets fill with people for the Procesión del Viernes Santo, where images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary are paraded in a solemn display of mourning and reverence. Inside churches or through radios and livestreams, people reflect on the Siete Palabras – the seven last phrases of Christ before His death.
Meanwhile, others practice penitencia – walking barefoot or whipping their backs – as a raw, physical expression of sacrifice and devotion.
Chanting of the Pación, or Canta del Pación, continues throughout the week in many homes and chapels. This traditional singing of Christ’s life and Passion, which is usually done in groups, serves as both prayer and storytelling, connecting generations through verse and melody.
Fasting and abstinence from meat, especially on Good Friday, remain widespread practices, rooted in reverence and restraint.
Sabado de Gloria (Black Saturday) is a quiet, reflective day, leading into the Easter Vigil at night. Some communities observe the Lamentación, a solemn rite focusing on Mother Mary’s sorrow. Women often dress in black veils, and songs of mourning echo within candlelit churches.
During the Vigil, sacred rituals such as the blessing of fire and water symbolize Christ’s victory over death. Believers bring candles and bottles to be blessed, preparing their homes for a spiritually cleansed Easter.
At dawn on Easter Sunday, joy returns with the Domingo de Encuentro, where two processions – one with the image of the Risen Christ carried by men, and another with the Virgin Mary led by women – begin from opposite directions. They meet at the Castillo, a castle-like stage that symbolizes reunion and resurrection. This reenactment is one of the most anticipated moments of the week.
What follows is a day of gatherings in Catholic homes. Families gather for hearty meals, children receive sweets or small tokens, and laughter once again fills the air. For Zamboangueños, Easter is not just a celebration of life, but a return to light after a long journey through sorrow.
With over three-fourths of Zamboanga City’s population identifying as Roman Catholic, the city’s churches become centers of spiritual activity during this time. Some of the most visited churches for Visita Iglesia rites include:
- Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – The largest Catholic church in the peninsula, featuring a modern cruciform design, stained glass windows of Mindanao’s dioceses, and a sculpture by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. The cathedral is the heart of Catholic life in the city.
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church in Ayala – Established in 1871, this church is known for its strong community devotion and its July fiesta.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church in Tetuan – One of the city’s oldest, it draws hundreds during Holy Week for its deeply rooted traditions.
- Our Lady of Purification Parish in Sta. Maria – Known for its vibrant community and Marian processions.
- Our Lady of Manaoag Parish Church in Tumaga – Inspired by the Pangasinan devotion, it’s a serene site for prayer and healing.
- Carmelite Church and Convent along R.T. Lim Boulevard – Home to cloistered nuns, this peaceful place offers silence and confession.
- Most Holy Trinity Parish Church in Pasonanca – Surrounded by greenery, it’s a tranquil destination during the Visita Iglesia.
- St. Anthony Mary Claret Parish in San Jose Baliwasan – Run by Claretian missionaries, it’s popular among students for its dynamic services.
- Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar (Fort Pilar) – The city’s spiritual heart, this open-air seaside shrine becomes a glowing candle-lit sanctuary during Holy Week.
- Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish in Upper Calarian – Known for its colorful Marian traditions and lively Easter gatherings.
- Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish in Tugbungan – A simple yet heartfelt sanctuary for those praying for guidance and safe travels.
- San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Talon-Talon – Dedicated to the patron of farmers, its Holy Week rites emphasize humility and hard work.
- University Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at Ateneo de Zamboanga – A serene campus chapel that blends academic life with Ignatian spirituality.
- St. Joseph’s Church on Nuñez Street – A well-loved parish in the city center, accessible to working families.
From the echoes of the Pación to the clanging of church bells on Easter morning, Zamboanga City’s Holy Week traditions remain deeply rooted in faith and community. These practices – passed down from Spanish times, enriched by local devotion – transform the city into a living sanctuary where spirituality is not only remembered, but felt. – Rappler.com