Philippines Public Holidays 2025: Philippines Holiday Calendar

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By Yuan WU

A Brief Overview of Philippines Public Holidays 2025

HolidayDate
New Year's DayWed, Jan 1
Chinese New YearWed, Jan 29
Day of ValorWed, Apr 9
Holy Week: Maundy ThursdayThu, Apr 17
Holy Week: Good Friday Fri, Apr 18
Holy Week: Black SaturdaySat, Apr 19
Labor DayThu, May 1
Philippine Independece DayThu, Jun 12
Ninoy Aquino DayThu, Aug 21
National Heroes DayMon, Aug 25
All Saints DaySat, Nov 1
Bonifacio DaySun, Nov 30
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of MaryMon, Dec 8
Christmas DayThu, Dec 25
Rizal DayTue, Dec 30
Last Day Wed, Dec 31

New Year's Day | Philippines Public Holidays 2025

Date: Wednesday, Jan 1

Background

New Year’s celebrations in Philippines begin on December 31 and last until January 1. It’s a short but vibrant holiday. Every year of this time, families come together and reinforce their bonds.

What Do People Do on New Year's Day?

On New Year’s Eve (December 31), Filipinos gather to enjoy a special midnight meal called "Media Noche." Many people stay up late to welcome the New Year as the clock strikes midnight. People also set off fireworks and make loud noises like fireworks to ward off bad spirits, a custom that originates from Chinese culture.

At midnight, elders often tell children to jump for more height. Many display 12 round fruits and wear clothes with polka dots to symbolize prosperity. Another popular tradition is opening all doors and windows at midnight to invite good fortune inside. Also, many Filipino families read from the Bible and attend midnight mass, integrating both religious and traditional beliefs into their New Year celebrations.

Chinese New Year | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Date: Wednesday, Jan 29

Background

Small Chinese communities have lived in the Philippines since the Spanish colonial period, which spanned over 300 years starting in the 16th century. Over time, these communities grew as Chinese individuals intermarried with Filipino natives and people of other backgrounds. As the Chinese-Filipino population expanded, the Lunar New Year celebrations also became more elaborate.

Some lawmakers have suggested making the Lunar New Year an official public holiday, though there is debate about the economic impact of adding another holiday, considering the associated costs. Under Republic Act 9492, businesses are required to provide incentives or overtime pay to employees for each legal non-working holiday, which can increase labor expenses.

What Do People Do on Chinese New Year?

Filipino-Chinese communities across the Philippines celebrate Lunar New Year each year, hoping for prosperity, strong family connections, and peace. Many Filipino-Chinese families clean their homes thoroughly, prepare “lucky money” in red envelopes, serve sweet foods, and display a variety of dishes and fruits on the table to attract good fortune. People also join in festive parades and dragon dances organized in the Chinatowns of various cities throughout the Philippines.

Araw ng Kagitingan | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Source: Wikipedia

Date: Wednesday, Apr 29

Background

The Day of Valor, or Araw ng Kagitingan, honors the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. On April 9, 1942, U.S. Army Major General Edward P. King was forced to surrender over 76,000 soldiers, including Filipinos, Chinese, and Americans, to the Japanese at dawn. These soldiers then faced the brutal 90-mile (about 145 kilometers) trek to Camp O'Donnell in San Fernando. Known as the Bataan Death March, thousands of these prisoners died along the way from hunger, dehydration, and disease before reaching the camp.

What Do People Do on Araw ng Kagitingan?

Araw ng Kagitingan is a non-working holiday that often extends into a long weekend in the Philippines. On this day, World War II veterans take part in parades across various cities. Smaller parades happen in different areas, but the main event is the president's speech at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan, paying tribute to the heroism of Filipino and American troops during the war.

Holy Week | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Apr 17, Wednesday, Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the day that remembers the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Many Filipinos choose to fast and avoid things like drinking alcohol, eating meat, and sexual activity. Churches organize re-enactments of the Last Supper, and it’s also a tradition for Filipinos to visit seven different churches on this day, a practice called Visita Iglesia (meaning "to visit churches" in Spanish). Some even visit 14 churches to represent the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Apr 18, Friday, Good Friday

Good Friday is part of the holy week leading up to Easter Sunday. On this day, many Filipinos avoid loud music, alcohol, and other worldly activities. Catholics often abstain from eating meat, choosing instead to fast and spend time in prayer. Many also attend church services and participate in either the Acts of Reparation or the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the last hours of Jesus' suffering. In some parts of the Philippines, men even re-enact Jesus’ penance, sometimes by crucifying themselves in symbolic acts of devotion.

Apr 19, Saturday, Black Saturday

Holy Saturday, or Black Saturday, commemorates the day Jesus lay in the tomb after His crucifixion. According to Christian belief, He was resurrected the following day, Easter Sunday, marking the end of Holy Week.

Labor Day | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Source: Wikipedia

Date: Thursday, May 1

Background

Labor Day, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day, is a public holiday celebrated in many countries. It typically falls on May 1, though some countries observe it on different dates.

Independence Day | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Date: Thursday, Jun 12

Background

The Philippines celebrate Independence Day every year on June 12, a date officially established by Republic Act No. 4166, signed by President Diosdado Macapagal on August 4, 1964. This date marks the 1898 Declaration of Independence by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionaries from Spanish rule. The Filipino flag was raised, and the national anthem was played for the first time.

What Do People Do on Independence Day?

Independence Day is marked by parades across the country, involving government officials, workers, students, and military personnel. The main event is a police and military parade in Manila, attended by the president, followed by a speech and a 21-gun salute. Many people spend the day in parks or malls, and Filipino communities abroad also celebrate the occasion.

Ninoy Aquino Day | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Date: Thursday, Aug 21

Background

This national holiday, known in Filipino as Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino, is observed on August 21 to honor the 1983 assassination of former Senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Jr. Ninoy’s death fueled the Philippine democratic movement, and he and his wife, Corazon Aquino (later president), are remembered as democracy heroes in the Philippines.

All Saints Day | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Source: Wikipedia

Date: Friday, Oct 31, All Saints' Day Eve; Saturday, Nov 1, All Saints Day

Background

All Saints' Day, or All Hallows' Day, is a Christian holiday observed on November 1 in the Western tradition. It is a day to honor all saints who led righteous lives according to Christian teachings, regardless of whether they are well-known or lesser-known figures within the church.

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Bonifacio Day | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Source: Holidays Calendar

Date: Saturday, Nov 30

Background

Andres Bonifacio, a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary, is celebrated as the "father of the Philippine Revolution" and a national hero. Unlike other heroes who are commemorated on the day of their death, Bonifacio is honored on his birthday, as he was executed by a Filipino revolutionary government rather than foreign powers, unlike national hero José Rizal.

What Do People Do on Bonifacio Day?

Schools and most businesses are closed for Bonifacio Day, though many shops remain open. Some people choose to pay tribute to Bonifacio by visiting his monuments and reflecting on his contributions to the Philippine independence movement.

Christmas Day | Philippiness Public Holidays 2025

Date: Wednesday, Dec 24, Christmas Eve; Thursday, Dec 25, Christmas Day

Background:

In many places, Christmas is all about shopping and exchanging gifts, but in the Philippines, it's so much more—it’s a lively, heartfelt celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. With around 90% of the population identifying as Christian, Christmas here is not just a holiday but a joyful and meaningful event, filled with warmth, tradition, and faith.

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Philippines Public Holidays