Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Iligan Diocese Promotes Spiritual Halloween Celebration Over Scary Traditions
The Catholic Diocese of Iligan City is encouraging residents to observe Halloween in a faith-centered manner rather than through frightening imagery and ghost stories. The alternative celebration comes as the Philippines prepares to mark All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day this weekend.
LSN Philippines ·
ILIGAN CITY — The Catholic Diocese of Iligan City held a counter-event on Saturday to reframe Halloween celebrations in the region, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the season over traditional scary imagery and horror themes.
As Filipinos prepare to observe All Saints' Day on Sunday and All Souls' Day on Monday, diocesan officials promoted a more faith-centered approach to Halloween, arguing that the holiday need not center on supernatural frights and macabre decorations.
The diocese's alternative celebration reflects efforts by the local Catholic Church to redirect public attention toward the religious meaning behind the observances. Halloween, historically associated with ghost stories and frightening imagery, can be celebrated in ways that align with Catholic values and spiritual reflection, church leaders said.
The event underscores growing efforts in the Philippines' religious communities to provide families with wholesome alternatives to commercialized Halloween celebrations, particularly during a season traditionally devoted to remembering the deceased and honoring saints.