Philippines Public Holidays

Philippines Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Philippines? All public holidays in Philippines are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Philippines employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Philippines and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

The Philippines is a country known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and deep religious traditions. These aspects are reflected in the country’s public holidays, which are celebrated throughout the year. Public holidays in the Philippines fall into two main categories: regular holidays and special (non-working) holidays. Regular holidays are often celebrated nationwide, while special holidays may vary by region or be declared as national holidays in specific years.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

According to picktrue.com, New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year and is a public holiday across the Philippines. It is one of the most universally celebrated holidays, with traditions that focus on family, renewal, and hope for the upcoming year.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Families gather to celebrate the night before, on New Year’s Eve, with food, fireworks, and midnight festivities.
• Filipinos often prepare round-shaped fruits, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.
• Fireworks and loud noises are used to ward off bad spirits, a practice rooted in ancient Filipino beliefs.

Holy Week (Dates Vary)

Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a deeply significant period in the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines. It commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed nationwide with various religious practices.

Good Friday and Black Saturday

• Good Friday and Black Saturday are two important days during Holy Week.
• Good Friday is observed as a day of mourning and reflection, with most businesses closing to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• The faithful participate in Visita Iglesia, where they visit seven churches to pray, and some communities hold processions reenacting the Passion of Christ.
• Black Saturday, the day of mourning before Easter Sunday, is also a public holiday.

Easter Sunday

• Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus and is a day of celebration. Families attend Easter Mass and enjoy festive meals.

Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9)

Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemorates the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during the Battle of Bataan in World War II. The holiday honors the fallen soldiers and is a day of remembrance.

Celebrations and Observances

• National ceremonies are often held at Mount Samat, a key site in Bataan where the battle took place.
• Government officials, including the President, usually lead a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the soldiers.
• The holiday also serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience of the Filipino people during the war.

Labor Day (May 1)

Labor Day, or Araw ng Manggagawa, is a national holiday celebrating the achievements of Filipino workers and labor rights. It is a day to acknowledge the contributions of the working class to the country’s economy and society.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Labor groups and unions often hold rallies and protests to advocate for workers’ rights, better wages, and improved working conditions.
• Government agencies may host events to highlight labor policies and achievements.
• Many workers take the day off to relax and spend time with their families.

Independence Day (June 12)

Independence Day celebrates the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1898. It is one of the most important national holidays in the country.

Historical Significance

• On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite.
• The Philippines remained under American rule until 1946, but June 12 is celebrated as the official Independence Day, signifying the beginning of the struggle for full sovereignty.

Traditions and Celebrations

• National celebrations include flag-raising ceremonies across the country, with the main event often held in Luneta Park in Manila, attended by the President and other officials.
• Parades, military displays, and cultural performances are also common throughout the country.
• Filipinos take pride in displaying the Philippine flag and reflecting on the nation’s history.

National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August)

National Heroes Day honors the country’s heroes, both known and unknown, who contributed to the struggle for Philippine independence and nation-building.

Historical Significance

• The holiday is dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices made by historical figures like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and many more.
• It also celebrates ordinary Filipinos who have demonstrated heroism in various capacities.

Celebrations and Traditions

• Official government events include wreath-laying ceremonies at national monuments, such as the Rizal Park in Manila.
• The holiday is a time for reflection on the values of patriotism and self-sacrifice.

Bonifacio Day (November 30)

Bonifacio Day celebrates the life and legacy of Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan movement, which played a critical role in the fight against Spanish colonization.

Historical Background

• Bonifacio is regarded as the “Father of the Philippine Revolution” and is honored for his leadership and dedication to the cause of independence.

Observances

• Ceremonies are held across the country, especially at Bonifacio’s monuments in Caloocan and Manila.
• Schools and organizations hold educational programs highlighting Bonifacio’s contributions to Philippine history.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday in the Philippines, where the Christmas season begins as early as September. As a predominantly Christian country, the Philippines marks Christmas with religious and family-centered festivities.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Filipinos participate in the Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of dawn Masses leading up to Christmas.
• Families gather for Noche Buena, a traditional Christmas Eve feast.
• Homes and public spaces are adorned with parols (star-shaped lanterns), Christmas trees, and festive lights.

Rizal Day (December 30)

Rizal Day commemorates the execution of Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, by the Spanish colonial government in 1896. Rizal’s writings and martyrdom inspired the revolutionary movement against Spanish rule.

Historical Importance

• Rizal’s death is considered a pivotal moment in Philippine history, as it fueled the independence movement.
• His literary works, including Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the injustices of Spanish colonialism and ignited a desire for reform.

Observances

• The holiday is marked by flag-raising ceremonies and wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park.
• Speeches by government officials honor Rizal’s legacy and highlight his contributions to Philippine society.

Special Non-Working Holidays

In addition to the regular holidays, the Philippines observes several special non-working holidays. While these are not mandated for nationwide celebration, they are recognized and may be observed by particular groups or regions.

Chinese New Year (Date Varies)

• Celebrated by the Filipino-Chinese community, Chinese New Year is marked with dragon dances, fireworks, and family gatherings.
• Some regions with significant Chinese populations, such as Binondo in Manila, hold large-scale events.

Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21)

• Ninoy Aquino Day honors the life and legacy of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., whose assassination in 1983 ignited a revolution that led to the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship.
• The holiday is marked by memorial services and tributes.

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2)

• All Saints’ Day (Undas) and All Souls’ Day are observed by visiting cemeteries to honor deceased relatives.
• Families clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, offering prayers, flowers, and candles.

Eid’l Fitr (Date Varies)

Eid’l Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated by the Muslim community in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao.

Traditions

• Special prayers are held in mosques, followed by feasts and celebrations.
• Muslims often wear new clothes and give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity to help those in need.

Eid’l Adha (Date Varies)

Eid’l Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic holiday celebrated by Filipino Muslims. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

Observances

• The holiday includes prayers, charity, and the slaughtering of animals (such as goats or sheep), with the meat shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate.