Pavia, Iloilo's Tigkaralag Festival

Halloween in the Philippines is celebrated with a variety of somber, spooky and fun traditions. The

observance is much more popular in rural areas as local beliefs and customs mesh, creating a

distinctly Filipino version of Halloween.

It has always been a holiday filled with mystery, magic and superstition. People would share stories of the dead, witchcraft, tell each other's fortunes and mischief-making of all kinds. Ghosts are often depicted as more            fearsome and malevolent, and our customs and superstitions are scarier too.

Halloween is traditionally the time when common superstitions, folklore, myths and omens carry more weight to  those who believe. Bad fallacies far outweigh the good. Many people still believe that omens can predict our      destiny and misfortune such as avoiding to cross paths with black cats, afraid that they might bring us bad luck, or avoiding to break mirrors, stepping on cracks in the road or spilling salt. And as they say, those who follow    Halloween superstitions can ward off evil spirits and improve their luck, and they may even gain special abilities or uncover mysteries that pertain to their destinies.

Halloween parties became popular activities and has been the most common way to celebrate the day. Parties

are focused on games, foods and of course, "frightening" and "grotesque" costumes.

Tigkaralag, from the Hiligaynon root word “kalag” meaning soul is Pavia’s way of celebrating All Soul’s Day.