HALLOWEEN FUN AND FAMILY REMEMBRANCE
A shopping mall announces a Halloween costume contest, while a friend explains that the family will visit loved ones at the cemetery the next day. Both belong on the late-October calendar—but they are not the same occasion. Knowing the difference makes your English kinder.
Undas has a very different purpose
In the Philippines, Halloween-themed parties and mall events sometimes appear around October 31, influenced by modern international popular culture. Yet November 1 and 2 carry a much deeper set of customs for many families. Undas commonly refers to the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, when relatives gather to remember and honour people who have died.
The National Museum of the Philippines describes families gathering at cemeteries to pray and pay tribute, often cleaning graves and locating family markers in advance. Practices differ across regions, religions and households, but the values of family connection, remembrance and care are central to many observances.
This is a useful reminder that a seasonal calendar can hold multiple meanings. A Halloween costume invitation is about entertainment; a quiet Undas visit may be a family commitment or spiritual moment. Visitors should not turn the latter into an opportunity for unsolicited party photos.
A country where family time matters
Some communities enjoy costume contests, decorations and playful events, while many families plan travel and visits for Undas. Busy roads and cemeteries can change practical travel plans around these dates, so it is sensible to ask about traffic and local arrangements without inventing a schedule.
Good communication means accepting that someone might decline your costume-party invitation because of family remembrance plans. 'Of course, family comes first. I hope you have a peaceful visit' is kinder than asking why they would miss the party.
Before you assume: Undas is different from Halloween-themed entertainment.
Ten English phrases you can actually use
- Is this a Halloween costume party? — Check whether it is a party.
- Are you observing Undas this weekend? — Ask respectfully about the observance.
- Would you prefer some privacy? — Give others space.
- Is this event open to visitors? — Confirm public access.
- May I take pictures here? — Ask permission.
- Where is the event entrance? — Find the right location.
- What time does the party start? — Confirm the event schedule.
- I would like to be respectful. — State your intention.
- Thank you for explaining. — Acknowledge the answer.
- Please let me know if I should step aside. — Respect boundaries.
Three culture words worth learning
- Undas
- Common Filipino term for All Saints’ and All Souls’ observances.
- lapida
- A grave marker or headstone.
- remembrance
- Thinking of and honouring someone who has died.
Try this real-world conversation
Visitor: “Is this a Halloween party tonight?”
Friend: “That one is, yes. Tomorrow my family is observing Undas.”
Visitor: “I understand. Are those different occasions?”
Friend: “Yes, Undas is a time of remembrance.”
Visitor: “Thanks for explaining. I hope your family has a peaceful day.”
Our Four Finger Rule: prepare before you go
Instead of memorising an endless list, start with four simple thoughts. What do you want to do? What do you have to check? What do you need to know? And what might happen?
- WANT TO: I want to attend a costume event.
- HAVE TO: I have to respect family observances.
- NEED TO: I need to know which event I am attending.
- MIGHT: I might ask whether taking photos is appropriate.
Problem → Need → Request
- Problem: I see two events near the same dates.
- Need: I need to understand which is a party and which is remembrance.
- Request: Could you explain the difference?
Before You Go: your practical checklist
- Do not equate Undas with Halloween.
- Respect cemetery and family customs.
- Check which events welcome visitors.
- Keep photographs and social posts permission-based.
Your one-minute speaking mission
Practise accepting a party invitation, then politely accepting a friend’s refusal because they have Undas plans. Finish by wishing their family well.
- Say the situation in one clear sentence.
- Ask a useful question using a phrase above.
- Listen, repeat the key detail and thank the other person.
Two questions visitors often ask
What is Undas?
It is a period of remembrance associated with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, generally November 1–2.
Is every Filipino family celebrating Halloween?
No. Activities and family traditions vary.
What this celebration teaches us
Customs change from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and country to country. A good conversation begins with an observation, continues with a respectful question and gives the other person room to explain their own experience. That’s a useful life skill, not just an English exercise.
STOP MEMORIZING ENGLISH. START USING IT.
Learn it. Prepare for it. Go use it.
History and cultural reading
These sources support the cultural background. Check the current organiser directly for tickets, hours, rules and event availability.
Illustration note: The featured billboard and teaching infographic are fictional editorial artwork featuring an adult costume character. They are not photographs of actual local people or events.
