Longest Feast of the Dead
BETIS, GUAGUA, PAMPANGA
The district of Betis in the town of Guagua, Pampanga is known for having one of the longest observances of the Feast of the Dead where they pray for the souls of the departed for 9 days.
Before the official start of Dáun, Betis folk hold a Parade of Saints portraying and dressing as different saints in complete regalia. The eve of Dáun is on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, when an afternoon Mass is offered at the centuries-old St. James the Apostle Parish in Betis for the “poor souls in purgatory.”
Dáun officially begins on Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day. Masses are then celebrated in the church for eight consecutive days, kicking off the daily ritual of lighting candles, offering flowers, and reciting the rosary and the long Kapampángan prayer called “decenario” at Betis Cemetery.