Official List of 2024 Philippines Holidays & Week

The Philippine Holidays for 2024 include both regular holidays and special (non-working) days. Knowing these dates is essential for planning ahead and recognizing national observances.

The Philippines offers an array of holidays that reflect its rich history, vibrant culture, and religious traditions. With a mix of regular holidays and special non-working days, Filipinos and visitors in 2024 can enjoy a variety of celebrations and commemorations.

From the worldwide revelry of New Year’s Day to the reflective national heroism of Rizal Day, the calendar provides a structured glimpse into the country’s official days off. Enlightening both locals and tourists, this schedule aids in honoring cultural festivities, participating in historical anniversaries, and enjoying long weekends for leisure or travel. The list of Philippine Holidays is not only a guide for logistical planning but also a chance to immerse oneself in the Philippines’ communal spirit.

Regular Holidays in The Philippines For 2024

Event	Date
New Year’s Day	January 1 (Mon)
Maundy Thursday	March 28 (Thu)
Good Friday	March 29 (Fri)
Araw ng Kagitingan	April 9 (Tue)
Labor Day	May 1 (Wed)
Independence Day	June 12 (Wed)
National Heroes Day	August 26 (Mon)
Bonifacio Day	November 30 (Sat)
Christmas Day	December 25 (Wed)
Rizal Day	December 30 (Mon)

The Philippines, with its rich history and diverse culture, celebrates numerous regular holidays each year. These designated dates hold historical significance, moments of national pride or deep religious meaning for the Filipino people. Not only do they provide a chance for reflection and commemoration, but also for relaxation and family gatherings.

Understanding the list of regular holidays helps with planning activities and recognizing important aspects of Filipino heritage.

New Year’s Day: January 1

Significance: This marks the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar and is universally celebrated across the Philippines with fireworks, family reunions, and religious services.
Traditions: Filipinos often partake in media noche, a family feast at midnight, to welcome prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year.

Araw Ng Kagitingan: April 9

Centered around valor and bravery, Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II. It recognizes the courage of Filipino and American soldiers who stood against invading forces. Ceremonies and reenactments take place, especially at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) in Bataan.

Maundy Thursday: Variable Date (april 2024)

Observance: As part of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday is a pivotal religious holiday commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.
Rituals: It’s a public holiday where many Filipinos attend church services, participate in the Visita Iglesia (church visits), and become part of passion plays known as Senakulo.

Good Friday: Variable Date (april 2024)

Reflecting on sacrifice and redemption, Good Friday is a solemn observance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. The entire country adopts a contemplative mood, with many engaging in fasting, prayer, and processions depicting the Way of the Cross. It is a day for spiritual introspection and community bonding through shared faith.

Labor Day: May 1

Recognition: This day celebrates the economic and social achievements of workers, with various labor groups organizing rallies and events.
Activities: Aside from demonstrations advocating for labor rights, people also enjoy this day as a respite from work, often spending time with family or enjoying leisure activities.

Independence Day: June 12

Marking the Philippines’ independence from Spanish rule, this holiday is filled with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances nationwide. It’s a vibrant display of patriotism as Filipinos honor their history and the heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom.

National Heroes Day: Last Monday Of August

Purpose: A tribute to all Philippine national heroes, this day encourages reflection on the courage and patriotism that shaped the nation.
Celebrations: Various locales host reenactments, ceremonies, and educational events to remember the sacrifices of national heroes.

Bonifacio Day: November 30

Remembering the birthday of Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan, this holiday inspires nationalistic pride and activism. Bonifacio is hailed for his crucial role in the fight against Spanish colonialism, and his life is celebrated with ceremonies and cultural events reflecting his revolutionary efforts.

Christmas Day: December 25

Joy: The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with great fervor, as Filipinos engage in festive decorations, exchange gifts, and attend Simbang Gabi (night masses) leading up to Christmas.
Family: It’s a time when families reunite, often traveling from far just to be together, making it one of the most heartfelt holidays in the country.

Rizal Day: December 30

Commemoration: This day honors the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero renowned for his writings that sparked the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonization.
Ceremonies: Wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument and educational discussions on Rizal’s life and works are some of the key activities during this poignant holiday.

Last Day Of The Year: December 31

Celebrated with anticipation for the coming year, Filipinos host vibrant parties, prepare round-shaped fruits symbolizing prosperity, and burst fireworks to ward off bad spirits. It’s a day filled with hope, joy, and looking forward to fresh beginnings as the Filipino community bonds over shared aspirations and goodbyes to the year that was.

Special Non-working Holidays in The Philippines For 2024

Event	Date
Ninoy Aquino Day	August 21 (Wed)
All Saints’ Day	November 1 (Fri)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary	December 8 (Sun)
Last Day of the Year	December 31 (Tue)
Additional Special (Non-Working) Day	February 9 (Fri)
Chinese New Year – Additional Special (Non-Working) Day	February 10 (Sat)
Black Saturday – Additional Special (Non-Working) Day	March 30 (Sat)
All Souls’ Day – Additional Special (Non-Working) Day	November 2 (Sat)
Christmas Eve – Additional Special (Non-Working) Day	December 24 (Tue)

Welcoming a new year isn’t just about resolutions; it’s also about planning for those well-deserved breaks. For Filipinos, special non-working holidays are the little oases of leisure sprinkled throughout the year. These days allow for extended weekends and mini-vacations, giving everyone a chance to recharge or spend precious time with family and friends.

Let’s dive into the list of days in 2024 that await your getaway plans.

Chinese New Year

Celebrated with fireworks, dragon dances, and sumptuous family meals, Chinese New Year stands as a cultural spectacle that highlights the Philippines’ rich diversity. This festival, marked by vibrant traditions, has transcended its roots to become a widely observed holiday beyond the Filipino-Chinese community:

Date: February 10, 2024: A day when Binondo, Manila’s oldest Chinatown, bursts to life with colors and celebrations galore.
Significance: Ringing in the Lunar New Year: It’s not just a day off but an opportunity to witness cultural integration and to feast on tikoy and noodles symbolizing long life and prosperity.

Edsa People Power Revolution Anniversary

Marking a pivotal moment in Philippine history, the EDSA Revolution Anniversary commemorates the peaceful uprising that powerfully demonstrated democracy in action. Residents and visitors alike may use this day to reflect on the nation’s journey or simply enjoy a peaceful break amidst their daily hustle.

Date: February 25, 2024: A time capsule to remember the historic demonstration of people power that changed the nation’s course.

Black Saturday

Easter weekend is a solemn observance for many Filipinos, and Black Saturday serves as a quiet time of reflection before Easter Sunday’s celebrations. While this day is predominantly a religious observance, it also allows people from various beliefs to pause and appreciate a moment of serenity amid life’s rapid pace.

Observance: Part of Holy Week: Families might attend church services or perhaps partake in visits to serene retreats, embracing the calm that this holiday offers.

Ninoy Aquino Day

The memory of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. , and his sacrifice for democracy, is honored every August. In remembering his courage, the nation not only looks back on its history but gains inspiration to foster a just and equitable society.

Date: August 21, 2024:

An opportunity for citizens to revisit the narrative that has shaped their history and to cherish the values of freedom and democracy.

All Saints’ Day

This day allows Filipinos to express their reverence for those who have passed on. It is less about mourning and more about the celebration of life, marked by vibrant gatherings and remembrance of loved ones.

Traditions: Visiting cemeteries and lighting candles:

The Filipino tradition of ‘Undas’ sees families congregating at cemeteries, transforming these places into lively communities honoring those who have departed.

Bonifacio Day

Andres Bonifacio, known as the Father of the Philippine Revolution, is commemorated with a sense of nationalism and pride. This holiday is more than a break from work; it’s a reaffirmation of the spirit that fought for the country’s independence.

Events: Flag-raising ceremonies and historical reenactments:

Witnesses can partake in events that celebrate Bonifacio’s legacy and schools often host educational activities, ensuring the younger generation recognizes the importance of this national hero.

Christmas Eve

The excitement of the Yuletide season finds its peak on Christmas Eve. As families gather to share in love and festive joy, it’s also an extra day for those last-minute preparations for Christmas Day’s big celebrations.

Festivities: Noche Buena and Simbang Gabi:

A cultural feast where families indulge in a midnight meal after attending the traditional evening mass, bringing everyone together to capture the essence of Filipino Christmas.

As you pore over the calendar to earmark these special days, remember that these holidays are more than just time away from work. They are the thread that weaves through the vibrant fabric of Filipino culture, colorfully illustrating its history, spirit, and community values.

If you’re planning your escapades or fostering traditions, each holiday paints its own unique stroke in the masterpiece that is the Philippines.

Additional Special Non-working Holidays In The Philippines For 2024

Explore the newly announced extra non-working holidays for the Philippines in 2024, enriching our comprehensive guide to Philippine Holidays 2024. Delve into our updated list, ensuring your plans accommodate these additional days of rest and celebration.

The Philippines, with its rich cultural heritage, observes several special non-working holidays each year. These days are a fusion of historic commemorations and special events that provide Filipinos with a chance to enjoy a break and celebrate with their families.

Here’s what makes these holidays stand out from the other types:

Cultural Significance: Each special non-working holiday has a unique reason for celebration, deeply rooted in the country’s history or traditions.
Economic Balance: While regular holidays often pertain to long-standing observances, these special holidays aim to provide breaks without significantly disrupting business and commerce.
Workplace Impact: On these days, employees usually do not report to work but if they do, they receive additional pay, in accordance with labor laws.

Additional Special Non-working Holidays For 2024

Filipinos cherish the additional non-working days beyond the fixed dates as they offer impromptu occasions for leisure or paying tribute. Below is a list of additional special non-working holidays that are typically marked in the Philippines, celebrating a variety of occasions across the archipelago:

Black Saturday: A day of reflection following Good Friday, commemorating the period of Jesus Christ’s burial.
Ninoy Aquino Day: Honoring the assassination of a significant political figure which marked a pivotal point in the nation’s history.
All Souls’ Day: A day set aside for Filipinos to remember and honor their dearly departed.
Christmas Eve: A festive time where families gather to prepare for Christmas Day celebrations.
Last Day of the Year: Time to bid farewell to the year and prepare for the coming New Year festivities.

As the calendar inches towards these significant dates, anticipation grows among Filipinos for the shared moments they bring. If it’s taking part in religious rites or spending quality time with loved ones, these holidays offer respite from the everyday hustle and add to the vibrant tapestry of Philippine culture.

Remember, while these dates generally stay constant, check with official government announcements for any changes or additions each year.

Additional Holidays In The Philippines For 2024

Stay updated with the 2024 expansion of festivities in the Philippines, enhancing the already vibrant list of Philippine Holidays for 2024. Discover new occasions and dates, ensuring your calendar captures every moment of celebration across the archipelago.

Public Holidays Exclusive To Regions In The Philippines

While the country celebrates many holidays together, certain regions observe additional special days. For example, in the Cordillera Administrative Region, they commemorate Cordillera Day every July 15. This is a cultural celebration, paying homage to the history and heritage of the indigenous people in the highlands.

Special Non-working Holidays By Proclamation

Eid’l Fitr:

Celebrated by the Muslim community, the date of Eid’l Fitr varies each year as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is a time for feasting and giving.

Eid’l Adha:

Another significant Islamic holiday is Eid’l Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Date is subject to moon sighting, resulting in the declaration of a non-working day.

Celebrations With Fixed Dates

Couples flock to Manila on February 14 to celebrate Valentine’s Day, turning public places into seas of red and white. Similarly, malls and parks are filled with festive activities and decor every Christmas Day on December 25, as the Philippines boasts the longest Christmas season in the world, starting as early as September.

Local Festivals Granted National Recognition

Kadayawan Festival:

Held in Davao City, this August festival celebrates thanksgiving for bountiful harvests with street dances, colorful parades, and indigenous music and arts.

Sinulog Festival:

Every third Sunday of January, Cebu City bursts with energy for Sinulog Festival. The event honors the Santo Niño, featuring ritual dances, a grand street parade, and a multitude of parties.

As Filipinos value both unity and diversity in celebrations, observing additional holidays allows various locales to shine on the national stage, honoring their unique cultural identities and traditions. It’s not just about the revelry; it’s a testament to the rich tapestry that makes up the Filipino heritage.

Whether these additional holidays are religious, regional, or cultural, they add an enhanced vibrancy to the Filipino calendar, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nation’s multifaceted society.

List Of Long Weekend Holidays In 2024

Discover the upcoming long weekends in the Philippines for 2024 with our comprehensive holiday list. Perfect for planning getaways, this essential guide ensures you maximize your vacation days.

One of the joys of planning your year is marking out those much-anticipated long weekends. In the Philippines, 2024 is dotted with public holidays that, with a little forward planning, can be transformed into mini-vacations. Let’s dive into the dates that promise extra relaxation and adventure without having to file those extra leave days.

Maximizing Your Breaks: Long Weekend Planning Guide

Crafting the perfect getaway starts with knowing when you can escape without denting your leave balance. The Philippine holiday calendar includes several long weekends that can be leveraged for trips or staycations:

January 1, New Year’s Day: Falling on a Monday, it’s the year’s first extended break for a fresh start.
August 25, National Heroes Day: Celebrated on a Monday, this holiday honors the valor of Filipino heroes and gives you a break from the daily grind.
November 30, Bonifacio Day: As it lands on a Friday, it opens the door to a weekend celebrating the birth of a revolutionary leader.
December 25, Christmas Day: With the special day on a Wednesday, a little leave planning can turn this into an extra-long celebration.

By anticipating these dates, you can plot out vacation plans or simply enjoy extra downtime at home.

A Quick Look: Unpack The Holiday Calendar

To make the most of your time, here’s an at-a-glance summary of long weekends that await:

Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9, Tuesday): Apply for a Monday leave to bask in a four-day weekend celebrating valor and bravery.
Independence Day (June 12, Wednesday): Take a day off on either side and bask in a five-day staycation or a thrilling local getaway.
All Saints’ Day (November 1, Thursday): With Friday turned into a leave day, recharge your batteries on a well-deserved four-day rest.
Rizal Day (December 30, Monday): Honor a national hero and enjoy a serene end-of-year respite, perfectly placed for introspection and joy.

These long weekends are not just breaks from work, they’re opportunities to create memories, dive into hobbies, or simply catch up on well-earned rest and family time.

Seizing The Moments: Strategic Vacation Planning

Given these pockets of time, a smart approach to planning can stretch your vacation days even further. A smartly placed leave before or after these holidays can significantly extend your downtime. This is prime time for booking those much-desired vacations or simply unwinding in the comfort of your home, indulging in personal passions and quality time with loved ones.

Anticipate these long weekends ahead as they open up space for life’s treasured moments. The Philippines in 2024 won’t just be another year on the calendar; it’s a canvas for creating experiences that last a lifetime. Keep this guide handy and watch your year transform into a series of joyful escapes and restorative breaks.

2024 Regular Holidays

As we march into the vibrant year of 2024, the Philippines beckons with its multitude of festivals and commemorations that paint the country with vibrancy and tradition. Mark your calendars and plan ahead as we unfold the list of regular holidays that allow Filipinos to honor their heritage, revel in patriotic pride, and spend quality time with loved ones.