Observed on

October 31st

Observed by

Filipinos

Country of Origin 

Spanish Colonial Era of the Phillippines

Religious Syncronation with Catholic Holidays

Celebrations/Customs

Dressing as Ghosts, Souling, Prayer, Singing

Similar/Related to:

Halloween, All Souls' Day, All Saints' Day

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Philippines holiday that is very similar to Halloween

Brief Bio

Pangangaluluwa is a Philippine Halloween-like tradition where children and adults, dressed as ghosts, go door-to-door singing songs and praying for souls in purgatory to help them reach heaven. These "nangangaluluwa" are typically given traditional rice cakes (kakanin) or other treats by house owners in exchange for their songs and prayers. This folk custom, similar to trick-or-treating, is practiced on the eve of All Saints' Day and while fading in urban areas, is still alive in rural provinces.