Philippine mountain town lights fires to honour the dead on All Saints' Day

High in the mountains of the Philippines, the town of Sagada perpetuates a distinctive ritual that blends indigenous beliefs with Catholic observance. Each year on All Saints' Day, residents gather to participate in the Panag-aapoy ceremony, a practice that has endured for 122 years and remains central to the community's spiritual calendar.

The tradition involves the lighting of fires as an act of remembrance for the deceased. Unlike the more common grave visits and flower offerings seen across the Philippines during this period, Sagada's residents employ fire as their primary means of honouring the dead, creating a visually distinctive commemoration that reflects the town's unique cultural heritage.

The ceremony draws both local families and visitors to the mountainous region, who gather to witness and participate in the ritual. The practice demonstrates how communities in remote areas have developed distinct approaches to honouring their ancestors, integrating local customs with wider observances of All Saints' Day.

Sagada's continuation of the Panag-aapoy tradition reflects the town's commitment to preserving its cultural identity despite modernisation pressures. The ceremony remains a defining feature of the community's calendar and a window into the region's rich spiritual traditions.