Philippines (PH)
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago of 7,641 islands, the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, and one of the most welcoming destinations for expats.
Capital: Manila
Region: Asia
Language: Filipino
Currency: PHP (₱)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)
Emergency: 911
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Public Holidays 2026
22 holidays in Philippines. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Bagong Taon
Major celebration with fireworks. Manila traffic chaos on New Year's Eve. Many businesses closed Jan 1–2.
Fri 9
Feast of the Black Nazarene Public Holiday
Traslación
Massive Catholic procession in Manila (Quiapo). Millions of devotees. Major traffic disruption in Metro Manila.
February 2026
Tue 17
Chinese New Year Public Holiday
Chinese New Year
2026 is the Year of the Horse. Special non-working holiday. Chinatown in Binondo (oldest in the world) holds major celebrations. Expect fireworks.
Wed 25
EDSA People Power Anniversary Public Holiday
Araw ng Kapangyarihan ng Mamamayan
Commemorates the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship. Special non-working holiday.
March 2026
Fri 20
Eid al-Fitr Public Holiday
Eid al-Fitr
2026 approximate date — end of Ramadan (1 Shawwal 1448 AH). National holiday. Celebrated particularly in Mindanao and the Muslim Filipino community nationwide. Exact date subject to moon-sighting confirmation.
April 2026
Thu 2
Maundy Thursday Public Holiday
Huwebes Santo
Holy Week begins. Most businesses close. Massive exodus from Manila to provinces ("Holy Week exodus"). Hotels and transport fully booked weeks in advance.
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Biyernes Santo
Strictest holiday. Almost all establishments close. Alcohol sales banned in many areas. Public flagellations and crucifixion reenactments in some provinces (Pampanga).
Sat 4
Black Saturday Public Holiday
Sabado de Gloria
Special non-working holiday. Part of Holy Week.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Optional
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay
Not always a national holiday but widely observed. Dawn masses ("Salubong") at 4am. Businesses reopen.
Thu 9
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valour) Public Holiday
Araw ng Kagitingan
Commemorates the 1942 Fall of Bataan. Veterans Day equivalent.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Araw ng Manggagawa
Workers' marches in Mendiola, Manila. Public holiday nationwide.
Wed 27
Eid al-Adha Public Holiday
Eid al-Adha
2026 approximate date — 10 Dhul Hijja 1448 AH. National holiday. Important for Muslim Filipinos. Exact date subject to moon-sighting confirmation.
June 2026
Fri 12
Independence Day Public Holiday
Araw ng Kalayaan
Celebrates 1898 proclamation of independence from Spain at Kawit, Cavite. Major parades. June 12 is one of the Philippines' most important holidays.
August 2026
Fri 21
Ninoy Aquino Day Public Holiday
Araw ni Ninoy Aquino
Commemorates the assassination of opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. at Manila International Airport (now NAIA) in 1983.
Mon 31
National Heroes Day Public Holiday
Araw ng mga Bayani
Last Monday of August. Commemorates all Filipino heroes of the revolution.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Araw ng mga Santo
Families visit cemeteries to light candles and pray for the dead. Major exodus from cities. Cemeteries are festive — families eat, play cards, and spend the night. Traffic is extreme Nov 1–2.
Mon 2
All Souls' Day Optional
Araw ng mga Patay
Special non-working holiday in some years. Cemetery visits continue.
Mon 30
Bonifacio Day Public Holiday
Araw ng Kagitingan ni Bonifacio
Commemorates Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan revolutionary movement. Parades in Manila.
December 2026
Tue 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Public Holiday
Araw ng Kalinis-linisang Pagilihi
Catholic feast day. Special non-working holiday. Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi) season begins December 16.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Pasko
The Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world — starting September. December 25 itself: all businesses close. Family gatherings, noche buena (Christmas Eve feast), gift-giving.
Wed 30
Rizal Day Public Holiday
Araw ni Rizal
Commemorates the execution of Dr. José Rizal, national hero, in 1896 at Luneta Park (Rizal Park), Manila. Solemn wreath-laying ceremonies.
Thu 31
New Year's Eve Public Holiday
Bisperas ng Bagong Taon
Special non-working holiday. Massive fireworks — unofficial and official. PAGASA issues warnings about firecracker injuries. Media noche (midnight feast) tradition.
Note: Some holidays in Philippines apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.