Every Holy Week, Naga City comes alive with deep-rooted traditions that blend solemn reflection with vibrant expressions of devotion. Known as the Pilgrim City, Naga is not just a destination for the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia—it is also a meaningful stop during the Lenten season.

Here’s what visitors can experience during Lent in Naga:

1. Visita Iglesia (Church Visits)

Pilgrims and local families partake in the Visita Iglesia, visiting at least seven churches on Maundy Thursday to pray the Stations of the Cross. Some of the most notable stops in Naga include the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, San Francisco Church, and Penafrancia Basilica Minore. One may also visit beautiful heritage churches in nearby towns.

2. Pabasa ng Pasyon

Throughout Holy Week, the rhythmic chanting of the Pasyon — an epic narrative of Christ’s life, passion, death, and resurrection — fills the air in chapels and homes. In many places in the area, the Pabasa becomes a communal event, often accompanied by local delicacies offered to participants and guests.

3. Senakulo (Passion Play)

In various places in Naga and nearby, locals perform the Senakulo, a dramatic reenactment of the Passion of Christ. These community-led performances, rich in emotion and tradition, draw large crowds and provide a profound way to reflect on the meaning of the season.

4. Processions and “Salubong”

Good Friday processions are deeply moving, featuring life-size images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and other saints, paraded through the streets of Naga. On Easter Sunday, the Encuentro or Salubong — a joyous dawn encounter between the images of the Risen Christ and the Sorrowful Mother — marks the culmination of the Holy Week celebrations, symbolizing victory over death and despair.

5. Spend Meditation Time on Nature Sites near Mt. Isarog

For those seeking a more meditative experience, spending a quiet time at healing springs on the slopes of Mount Isarog offers a serene way to reflect and reconnect with nature during the season of Lent.

Plan Your Holy Week Pilgrimage

Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, cultural immersion, or a quiet retreat, Naga City welcomes you with open arms and open hearts. Discover age-old traditions, heartfelt hospitality, and a community whose faith lights up even the quietest corners of this sacred season.

Experience Holy Week in Naga—where every step is a prayer, and every tradition tells a story.

Read related article: Holy Week Traditions and Their Significance