Philippines Holidays 2018 Schedule

New Year’s Day: This is one of the grandest holidays in the Philippines. The use of firecrackers and anything that makes loud noise such as drums and hornpipes are the most popular and oldest tradition to celebrate New Year. Filipinos believe that loud noises keep the bad spirits away. On New Year’s day, a sumptuous dishes are prepared to gladly “welcome” the year.

Chinese New Year: Chinese comprise a substantial minority of the Philippine population, and China has culturally influenced Filipinos, thus the Philippines celebrate the Chinese New Year with China on the same day, which is February 16 this year.

People Power Anniversary: February 25, 1986, is an important day to remember in Philippine history wherein about 2 million Filipinos filled the streets to cry for freedom from the tyrannical regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Holy Week: The majority of the Philippine population is Catholic. Filipinos celebrate Holy Week at the same time as Vatican City, on March 29 – April 1, 2018. It’s a weeklong national solem holiday to pray and reflect on Christ’s death. Various traditions are observed such as “pabasa,” where devotees sing/chant the story of Christ’s life, death and resurrection.

The Day of Valor: It is also known as Araw ng Kagitingan, a national holiday to commemorate the fall of Bataan during World War II. It was April 9, 1942, when more than 76,000 soldiers surrendered to Japanese troops.

Lailatul Isra Wal Mi Raj: This Muslim holiday that is also known as Al Isra wal Miraj and falls on April 13, 2018. About 10 million Filipinos are Muslim, hence this holiday is observed in the Philippines. This event marks the night that Allah took Mohammad on a journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven (source).

Labor Day: International Labor Day is observed in almost every country in the world. Filipinos celebrate this day every May 1 to pay tribute to workers contributing to the country’s economy.

Independence Day: A national holiday in the Philippines to commemorate the declaration of the country’s independence that took place on June 12, 1898. Some Filipinos celebrate this day with fireworks, a parade and flag raising at the Aguinaldo Shrine. Some just spend the day with their families in either outdoor and indoor activities.

Eid al-Fitar: Another religious holiday celebrated by Muslims that marks the end of Ramadan on June 16, 2018. It is observed in the Philippines as a non-working holiday.

Ninoy Aquino Day: A national non-working holiday on August 21 in the Philippines to commemorate the death of the former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. His death led Filipinos to cry for freedom from the tyrannical regime of Ferdinand Marcos. Aquino was a well known critic of Marcos. In 1980, he and his family moved to the US, and in 1983, Aquino decided to return home and continue to fight for democracy. Upon his arrival at Manila International Airport, he was assassinated. This event moved more Filipinos to fight for democracy, hence the People’s Revolution took place and successfully led to the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos.

EId al Adha: A Muslim religious holiday also known as the Sacrifice Feast is celebrated on August 22, 2018. It’s a holiday to honor Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

National Heroes Day: A national public holiday on August 27 in the Philippines to pay tribute to the country’s heroes.

All Saints Day: A day to commemorate deceased relatives and friends. Filipinos come home to spend the day together with their families and visit tombs of their loved ones. Lighting candles and offering of flowers are one of the Filipino customs during this holiday on November 1. Originally, All Saint’s Day was a solemn holy day for Catholics in honor of all saints. However, in the Philippines, it has been traditionally spent paying respects to relatives and friends.

All Souls’ Day: Another national holiday to extend All Saint’s Day on November 2.

Bonifacio Day: Andres Bonifacio is one the greatest Filipino heroes. He was one of the Filipino leaders that triggered the Philippine revolution against the Spanish Empire in 1896. November 30 is the day Bonifacio was born, hence the holiday.

Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion: This is a holiday observed by Christians, particularly Catholics, to celebrate God’s gift to humanity in Mary. The holiday is celebrated on December 8.

Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is one of the grandest holidays for Filipinos. It’s all about families getting together to enjoy a sumptuous meal, to pray and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Day: The grandest holiday celebrated by Filipinos. Filipinos celebrate it with traditions such as gifts, preparation of sumptuous meals and by giving money to children.

Rizal Day: This national holiday commemorates the life and work of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines who also triggered the Philippine revolution against the Spanish Empire. On December 30, Rizal was executed because of his rebellion, sedition and of forming illegal association against the foreign invaders.

New Year’s Eve: Filipinos celebrate New Year’s Eve with almost every country in the world. Firecrackers, loud sounds and sumptuous meals are prepared to welcome the year.