Sagada Panag-apoy: Night of Fire and Memory

Q: Can tourists join or observe the event?

Yes, visitors are welcome to observe Sagada panag-apoy. They are asked to be respectful, avoid loud behavior, and not block paths or take intrusive photos during prayers.

Q: How can I get to Sagada during panag-apoy?

Travelers can take GL Trans buses from Baguio to Sagada via Halsema Highway. Expect full trips and heavy traffic as locals and tourists visit to witness the event.

Sagada panag-apoy transforms the mountain into a glowing sea of fire and memory every All Saints’ Day.

As dusk settled in, I walked up the hill behind St. Mary’s Church, past people going down from the cemetery at the edge of Echo Valley. I wanted to witness this unique cemetery tradition in the Cordilleras, a moment when Sagadans honor their departed with light and warmth.

I thought I knew what to expect, yet nothing matched the sight before me. The mountainside shimmered with flames licking at pine wood, lighting up gravestones and white sepulchers. People talked and laughed softly. The scent of pine and smoke filled the air. The place felt sacred, glowing, and alive. Here in Sagada, it was pure magic.

What Sagada Panag-apoy Means

When I asked locals about panag-apoy, I heard many answers. A guide to Bomod-ok Falls said it was to warm the dead. Some told me it was just a tradition. An elderly woman explained, “They light candles for longer light, but the wood burns shorter and brighter.”

For me, it holds deeper meanings:

The smoke helps keep insects away near the forested cemetery.
The fire warms the cold Sagada night, giving time for families to gather and remember their loved ones.

Whatever its reason, Sagada panag-apoy feels like a bridge between the living and the dead, between warmth and memory.

Q&A: Sagada Panag-apoy

Q: What is Sagada panag-apoy?
A: Sagada panag-apoy is a tradition held every November 1, where families light fires and candles at the cemetery to honor their departed loved ones. It’s both a cultural and spiritual gathering rooted in the Cordilleran way of remembrance.

Q: When does Sagada panag-apoy start?
A: The fires usually begin around 3 PM at the cemetery near St. Mary’s Church and Echo Valley. The glow and smoke often last until evening as families continue their prayers and stories.

Q: Can tourists join or observe the event?
A: Yes, visitors are welcome to observe Sagada panag-apoy. However, they are reminded to be respectful, avoid loud behavior, and refrain from blocking paths or taking intrusive photos during prayers.

Q: How can I get to Sagada during panag-apoy?
A: You can take GL Trans buses from Baguio to Sagada via Halsema Highway. Expect full trips and heavy traffic during this time, as both locals and tourists travel to witness the event.

Q: What should visitors keep in mind?
A: Bring warm clothing and a flashlight. Be respectful of graves and locals, and avoid using flash photography. Remember, Sagada panag-apoy is a solemn occasion, not a festival.

A Tradition in the Modern Age

With social media sharing its beauty, panag-apoy now draws many tourists. Expect photographers setting up tripods and phones glowing in the dark. There will be chatter, flashes, and even rowdy groups. Yet, beneath all that, the heart of the tradition remains — quiet prayers, family stories, and the comfort of firelight.

As the day fades, the hill burns bright. Smoke rises, the pine crackles, and Sagadans stand together in remembrance. Sagada panag-apoy is not just a spectacle. It is a living act of love and connection that burns in the heart of every homecoming.

Getting There

Buses travel daily between Baguio and Sagada via Halsema Highway. Expect full trips during panag-apoy, as both locals and visitors come to witness it. The cemetery sits between St. Mary’s Church and Echo Valley, near a cell tower. Fires usually start around 3 PM and continue until evening.