World · Philippines Bureau
Manila North Cemetery draws 1.4 million visitors during extended Undas weekend
Manila North Cemetery recorded nearly 1.4 million visitors on All Saints' Day as the holiday coincided with a weekend, according to police authorities. The surge in cemetery traffic reflects the traditional Filipino observance of Undas, when families visit graves to pay respects to deceased loved ones.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Manila North Cemetery welcomed close to 1.4 million visitors on November 1 as All Saints' Day fell on a weekend, the Manila Police District reported Monday.
The visitor count, tallied between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., underscores the significant turnout typical during the Undas season, when Filipinos traditionally visit cemeteries nationwide to commemorate their deceased relatives.
Major Philipp Ines, spokesperson for the Manila Police District, confirmed the figures as authorities prepared for heightened foot traffic across the cemetery grounds. The combination of the holiday falling on Saturday provided an extended observance period, contributing to the substantial number of cemetery visitors.
The annual Undas pilgrimage remains one of the most significant cultural observances in the Philippines, with families traveling to cemeteries to clean burial sites, offer flowers, and maintain vigils at graves. The heavy turnout at Manila North Cemetery, one of the country's largest burial grounds, reflects this enduring tradition.