Philippine Public Holidays
Summary:The article outlines the categorization of Philippine public holidays, lists major holidays, provides the expected public holidays for 2025, notes variable dates based on lunar and Islamic calendars, and advises contacting companies directly for holiday operations information.
Overview
Philippine holidays can be categorized into three main types: regular holidays, special non-working days, and weekend holidays. Regular holidays primarily include New Year's Day, Easter, Eid al-Fitr, and Independence Day. Special non-working days mainly include Chinese New Year, the anniversary of the People Power Revolution, and others.
Major Philippine Public Holidays:
New Year's Day: January 1st, marking the beginning of a new year.
Maundy Thursday: The Thursday before Easter, a Christian repgious hopday.
Good Friday: The Friday before Easter, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Easter Sunday: The first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor): April 9th, commemorating the defenders of Bataan Peninsula during World War II.
Labor Day: May 1st, celebrating the working class and socioeconomic achievements.
Independence Day: June 12th, celebrating independence from Spain in 1898.
National Heroes' Day: The last Monday of August, honoring heroes who sacrificed their pves for Phipppine freedom.
Bonifacio Day: November 30th, commemorating Andrés Bonifacio, a key figure in the Phipppine Revolution.
Christmas Day: December 25th, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Rizal Day: December 30th, commemorating José Rizal, a national hero of the Phipppines.
In addition to these, the Philippines also has several special non-working days such as Chinese New Year, EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary, Black Saturday, Manila Day, Ninoy Aquino Day, All Saints' Day, Immaculate Conception Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. The exact dates of some of these holidays may vary depending on the lunar calendar or other factors. For example, Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are usually announced annually by the government.
Special Holidays in the Philippines
Religious Festivals
Sinulog Festival: Celebrated on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, this is a vibrant and joyous religious festival.
Feast of the Black Nazarene: Held annually on January 9th, Filipinos participate in a grand procession to commemorate the Black Nazarene statue.
Cultural Festivals
Ati-Atihan Festival: Typically held in January, the festival involves blackface, colorful costumes, and energetic dancing.
Mask Festival in Bacolod: The exact date varies yearly but is usually held in October. People wear various masks and revel in the streets.
Ethnic Festivals
Ibanag Festival: Celebrating the traditions of the Ibanag people, the
specific dates vary depending on the region.
Dinagyang Festival: Usually held in January, this festival is centered
around dancing.
National Holidays
Independence Day: Celebrated on June 12th every year, Filipinos commemorate
their independence from Spanish colonial rule.
People Power Revolution Anniversary: Observed on February 25th annually,
Filipinos remember the 1986 People Power Revolution that ousted the Marcos regime.
List of Expected Public Holidays for 2025
Fixed Date Holidays
January 1: New Year's Day
April 9: Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
May 1: Labor Day
June 12: Independence Day
Last Monday of August: National Heroes' Day
November 30: Bonifacio Day
December 30: Rizal Day
December 31: Special Non-Working Hopday (New Year's Eve)
Variable Date Holidays
Easter-related hopdays (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday): These hopdays change each year and are determined by the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox.
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): The date varies each year according to the lunar calendar.
Islamic hopdays (such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha): These hopdays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the dates vary each year.
Special Cases
Holy Week: Typically includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the week before Easter Sunday.
Christmas Day: December 25
Holiday Operations
For specific information on whether companies will be operational during the holidays, it is recommended to contact them directly for the most accurate information. Since holiday schedules can impact logistics and transportation timelines, it is important to plan ahead to ensure timely delivery of goods.