Maundy Thursday in Philippines

Maundy Thursday, which is the day before Good Friday, is a popular Christian holiday in countries such as the Philippines. It is a regular non-working holiday in the Philippines.

The concept of the Holy Eucharist is associated with Maundy Thursday.

©iStockphoto.com/MKucova

What do people do?

Maundy Thursday marks the event before Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. Aside from fasting, most Filipinos refrain from activities such as drinking alcohol, eating meat and intercourse with their partners. Maundy Thursday is highlighted by the re-enactment of the Last Supper, which is organized by churches. It is customary for Filipinos to visit seven churches on this particular day. This is called Visita Iglesia which is a Spanish word for “to visit churches”. Some people visit 14 churches to symbolize the 14 stations of the cross.

Public Life

Maundy Thursday is a public holiday in the Philippines. Most businesses are closed from Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday (also known as Holy Saturday). Television and radio stations also closed during this time but they do pre-programmed broadcast special shows that are themed for the Easter holiday period. Cable channels continue their normal programs.

Public transport is reduced but there are some public transport services that operate during this time of the year. Those who work on Maundy Thursday get paid double as stipulated in the Labor Code of the Philippines.

Background

Holy Week was a tradition that was integrated into the Filipino society during the Spanish regime. Since then, Filipinos have been commemorating this day as an important religious holiday. Maundy Thursday was declared as an official holiday when the Republic Act (RA) 9492 was drafted on July 24, 2006. timeanddate.com has more information on Maundy Thursday’s observance on a global level and how the Easter date is determined.

Symbols

An important Maundy Thursday symbol is the concept of the Holy Eucharist, which is evident in the re-enactment of the Last Supper scene that depicts the last day before Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross.

About Maundy Thursday in other countries

Maundy Thursday Observances

Related holidays

• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Easter Day ―Sunday, March 31, 2013

Other holidays in March 2013 in Philippines

• March equinox ―Wednesday, March 20, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Easter Day ―Sunday, March 31, 2013