‘I miss the bilobilo and the superstitions’: How Filipinos in Australia observe Holy Week

A majority of Filipinos are Catholic, and many in Australia continue to practice their faith and traditions during Lent.

More than 76% of Filipinos in Australia are Catholics, according to the Census 2021. Credit: JC Presco / Pexels

Key Points

• According to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, over 76% of Filipinos in Australia are Catholic, a number that is expected to rise.
• Some of the common customs in the Philippines during Holy Week include fasting, the pasyon (chanting of the Passion of Christ), pabasa, abstaining from meat, and more.
• Several Filipinos in Australia, such as Retchella Dalupang in Queensland and Daiserie Gabrillo in Western Australia, shared their memories and the activities they practice during the Lenten season.

📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino

🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.

📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.

📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.