How many holidays are in the Philippines?
The Philippines, known for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, offers a generous number of holidays throughout the year. With a total of 22 national holidays, the country boasts one of the highest holiday counts in the world. This extensive holiday calendar reflects the Philippines’ rich history, diverse cultures, and religious beliefs, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the local traditions and festivities.
The holiday season in the Philippines begins with the New Year, which is celebrated on January 1st. This is followed by the Epiphany on January 6th, a Christian feast commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. Good Friday, which falls on the Friday before Easter, is another significant day of observance in the country, with many Filipinos participating in religious processions and fasting.
Philippine National Holidays
The Philippines has 13 fixed national holidays, which are observed every year on the same date. These include:
1. New Year’s Day – January 1st
2. Maundy Thursday – The Thursday before Easter
3. Good Friday – The Friday before Easter
4. Easter Sunday – The first Sunday after Easter
5. Labor Day – May 1st
6. Independence Day – June 12th
7. National Heroes’ Day – August 26th
8. Bonifacio Day – November 30th
9. Christmas Day – December 25th
10. Rizal Day – December 30th
11. Eid al-Fitr – The first day of Shawwal (Islamic New Year)
12. Eid al-Adha – The 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (Hajj)
13. All Saints’ Day – November 1st
In addition to these fixed holidays, the Philippines also observes 9 movable holidays, which are based on the lunar calendar. These include:
1. Black Saturday – The Saturday after Easter
2. Maundy Thursday – The Thursday before Easter
3. Good Friday – The Friday before Easter
4. Easter Monday – The Monday after Easter
5. All Saints’ Day – November 1st
6. All Souls’ Day – November 2nd
7. Christmas Eve – December 24th
8. New Year’s Eve – December 31st
9. Eid al-Fitr – The first day of Shawwal (Islamic New Year)
Cultural and Religious Celebrations
The Philippines’ holiday calendar is also filled with various cultural and religious celebrations that showcase the country’s diverse heritage. Some of these events include:
1. Sinulog Festival – Celebrated in Cebu City, this festival honors the child Jesus and features colorful costumes, dance, and music.
2. Pahiyas Festival – Held in Lucban, Quezon, this festival is dedicated to the harvest and features rice straw decorations.
3. Moriones Festival – Celebrated in various parts of the country, this festival commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and features masked dancers.
4. Ati-Atihan Festival – Held in Kalibo, Aklan, this festival is a tribute to the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) and features street dancing, music, and fireworks.
With so many holidays and festivities, the Philippines offers a constant opportunity for locals and visitors to come together and celebrate the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s a religious observance, a historical milestone, or a vibrant cultural event, the Philippines has something to offer everyone throughout the year.
