Connecting Filipinos in Finland
Lent isn’t just a religious season—it’s a journey, filled with moments of reflection, sacrifice, and sometimes even unexpected joy. For 40 days, Christians around the world reflect, fast, and prepare for Easter. But depending on where you are, Lent can look very different. Some places go all out with grand processions and centuries-old rituals, while others take a quieter, more introspective approach. Let’s take a trip through Europe, with a special focus on Finland, before heading to the Philippines, where Lent is deeply woven into everyday life.
Across Europe, Lent is a mix of solemnity and tradition, sometimes infused with a bit of spectacle. You’ll find everything from hushed church services to massive street processions, some involving floats so heavy they require dozens of men to carry them.
If you’ve ever seen photos of hooded figures marching through the streets of Spain during Semana Santa, you know it’s a sight you won’t forget. Cities like Seville and Malaga host breathtaking processions featuring massive religious statues (some weighing over a ton!) carried by dedicated penitents. The music is haunting, the atmosphere is intense, and for many Spaniards, it’s the most sacred time of the year. And yes, the streets smell like incense and candle wax for days afterward.
Lent in Italy is serious business—after all, this is home to the Vatican. In Rome, the Pope leads special services, but smaller towns have their own traditions. Sordevolo, for instance, stages one of the most famous Passion Plays, where locals reenact Christ’s suffering with heart-wrenching performances. And then there’s Florence, where on Easter Sunday, they blow up a cart full of fireworks (yes, really) in a tradition called Scoppio del Carro, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead. Only in Italy.
In contrast to the grand spectacles in Spain and Italy, Germany’s Good Friday (Karfreitag) is all about solemnity. It’s a public holiday, and many places even ban dancing. Traditional meals are simple—think fish instead of meat, rye bread, and dishes that wouldn’t be out of place in a monastery. But in true German fashion, Easter markets pop up, selling handcrafted religious decorations, because even solemnity comes with a bit of festive flair.
Finland, with its predominantly Lutheran roots, observes Lent in a way that’s more cultural than deeply religious. But make no mistake—there are some uniquely Finnish traditions worth experiencing.
Forget palm fronds—Finnish children celebrate Palm Sunday with a tradition called virvonta, where they dress as little witches and go door-to-door waving decorated willow branches. One Finnish grandmother fondly recalls how her grandchildren once got so enthusiastic with their blessing chants that they nearly ran out of houses before they ran out of twigs. It’s a charming mix of Christian and old pagan customs, and if it sounds a little like Halloween, well, you’re not wrong. where they dress as little witches and go door-to-door waving decorated willow branches. They chant blessings in exchange for sweets, in a delightful mix of Christian and old pagan customs. If it sounds a little like Halloween, well, you’re not wrong. It’s Finland’s quirky way of welcoming Easter and spring.
Finns don’t typically fast as strictly as Catholics, but some give up luxuries like sweets or alcohol. Traditional Lenten meals are humble—lots of fish, rye bread, and root vegetables. And then there’s mämmi, the dark, pudding-like Easter dish made from rye flour and malt. Some Finns love it, others… politely endure it. Either way, it’s an essential part of Easter in Finland, usually served with cream and sugar to make it more palatable.
In the Philippines, Lent isn’t just observed—it’s felt. The heat is sweltering, the air thick with incense, and the streets filled with barefoot penitents reenacting Christ’s suffering. I remember a local elder once telling me, ‘You don’t just watch Holy Week here—you live it.’ Whether through fasting, prayer, or the solemn processions, the devotion is tangible, and for many Filipinos, it’s the most spiritually intense time of the year. The heat, the fasting, the processions, the prayers—everything about this season is intense. With Catholicism deeply embedded in the culture, the entire country shifts its rhythm during Holy Week.
Lent kicks off with Ash Wednesday, and if you step outside in the Philippines that day, you’ll see almost everyone walking around with a cross of ashes on their forehead. It’s a powerful, visible reminder of faith and mortality. And it’s not just a passive observance—many Filipinos use Lent as a time to give up social media, favorite foods, or other personal comforts.
Holy Week in the Philippines is on another level. Everything slows down, businesses close, and families turn their focus to prayer and reflection. Here’s what makes it so unique:
Palm Sunday – Churches overflow as people bring beautifully woven palm fronds to be blessed.
Maundy Thursday – The faithful embark on Visita Iglesia, visiting seven (or more) churches for prayer and reflection.
Good Friday – This is where it gets intense. Across the country, Senakulo (Passion Plays) reenact Christ’s suffering, and in some places, devout penitents go as far as self-flagellation or even actual crucifixions. While controversial, these acts are seen as profound expressions of faith.
Easter Sunday: ‘Salubong’ – Before dawn, towns hold Salubong, a moving ceremony where statues of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary meet, symbolizing the joy of Easter. The mood shifts from solemnity to celebration, and just like that, the feasting begins.
If you find yourself in Europe during Lent, you don’t have to be in a predominantly Catholic country to make the season meaningful. Here are some ways to observe Lent, wherever you are:
Attend Church Services – Even if you’re far from home, you can find special Lent and Easter services in most major cities. Cathedrals often host beautiful, open-to-the-public liturgies.
Engage in Acts of Charity – Lent is about selflessness. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or just helping someone in need, giving back is at the heart of the season.
Practice Personal Fasting and Sacrifice – Whether it’s skipping a favorite treat, reducing screen time, or dedicating more time to prayer, these small sacrifices help deepen the experience.
Experience Local Traditions – If you’re in Spain, join a Semana Santa procession. In Germany? Visit an Easter market. In Italy? Watch a Passion Play. Embracing local traditions can enrich your Lenten journey.
Reflect and Strengthen Your Faith – Lent isn’t just about rituals—it’s about transformation. Read, meditate, or join a faith group to make this season truly meaningful.
Lent is one of the most profound seasons in Christianity, celebrated in diverse ways around the world. Whether through the solemn processions of Spain, the introspective fasting of Finland, or the deeply felt devotion of the Philippines, the message remains the same—reflection, sacrifice, and renewal. No matter where you find yourself during this season, there’s always a way to connect with its deeper meaning.
And if you ever get the chance to experience Semana Santa, virvonta, or a Filipino Senakulo firsthand—take it. You won’t just witness tradition; you’ll feel the weight of devotion, the joy of renewal, and the unshakable faith that ties communities together. You won’t forget it.
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