All Saints’ Day Vocabulary in Tagalog
Here are common Tagalog words connected to Undas:
- Undas – All Saints’ Day / Halloween
- Okasyon – Occasion
- Pagdiriwang – Celebration
- Bakasyon – Holiday
- Pahinga – Vacation or rest
- Masaya – Happy
- Nakakatakot – Scary
- Salu‑salo – Party or gathering
- Kasuotan para sa Undas – Halloween costume
- Pagkain para sa Undas – Halloween or Undas food
- Mga panghimagas para sa Undas – Halloween treats
- Kendi – Candy
- Pagkain – Food
- Alay – Offering
These words help you describe the traditions, food, and activities associated with Undas.
All Saints’ Day in the Philippines
Undas is a deeply rooted Filipino tradition. Families visit cemeteries to clean and repaint tombstones, offer flowers, light candles, and pray for their departed loved ones. Many bring food — both as alay (offerings) and as part of a salu‑salo shared with relatives and friends.
The atmosphere is a blend of solemn remembrance and joyful reunion. Children play, families tell stories, and everyone enjoys home‑cooked Filipino dishes together. Food is central to the celebration, symbolizing love, memory, and connection.
Top 10 Filipino Foods for All Saints’ Day
Here are the most popular dishes prepared by Filipino families during Undas:
1. Pancit
A Filipino classic believed to bring long life. Pancit comes in many varieties — pancit bihon, canton, sotanghon — and is always present during celebrations. Its comforting flavors make it perfect for family gatherings.
2. Pork Barbecue
Nothing brings people together like the smell of pork barbecue grilling outdoors. Sweet, smoky, and tender, inihaw na baboy is a favorite during Undas, especially for families spending the day at the cemetery.
3. Lechon Manok
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for Undas. Juicy, savory, and affordable, lechon manok is easy to share and pairs well with rice and dipping sauces.
4. Filipino Spaghetti
Kids love it — and so do adults. Pinoy spaghetti is sweet, meaty, and topped with cheese. It’s a comforting dish that adds joy to family gatherings.
5. Chicken Adobo
Often called the national dish of the Philippines, adobo is marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. It’s easy to prepare, lasts long, and tastes even better the next day — perfect for Undas.
6. Pork Menudo
A hearty tomato‑based stew with pork, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Menudo is flavorful, colorful, and ideal for feeding a large group of relatives.
7. Lumpia
Crispy, golden, and delicious. Lumpiang shanghai is a crowd favorite made with ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s often served with sweet‑and‑sour dipping sauce.
8. Arroz Caldo
A warm and comforting rice porridge made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and broth. Arroz caldo is perfect for early morning cemetery visits or cool November evenings.
9. Chicken Caldereta
A rich stew made with chicken, tomato sauce, peanut butter, potatoes, carrots, and olives. Kalderetang manok is flavorful, festive, and perfect for special occasions like Undas.
10. Chicken Mechado
A tomato‑based chicken stew with potatoes, carrots, and peas. Mechado is simple yet satisfying — a great dish to prepare for family gatherings.
Conclusion
Undas is more than a holiday — it’s a celebration of love, memory, and Filipino family culture. Food plays a central role in bringing people together, honoring the departed, and strengthening family bonds.
We hope this guide helps you decide what to prepare, cook, and share with your loved ones this All Saints’ Day. May your celebration be filled with warmth, remembrance, and delicious Filipino food.
Maligayang Undas sa inyong lahat!