Philippines Public Holidays 2024

The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse culture, which is vividly reflected in its public holidays. These holidays are not only times for rest and celebration but also provide an opportunity for Filipinos to honor their history, culture, and traditions. In 2024, as in other years, the Philippines will celebrate a mix of religious, national, and special non-working holidays.

Religious Holidays

• New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024) New Year’s Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm in the Philippines. It’s a time for family reunions, festive meals, and fireworks. Filipinos believe that loud noises drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Family Reunions: Organize or attend a family gathering to start the year with loved ones.
    • Festive Meals: Prepare traditional Filipino New Year foods like round fruits for prosperity, sticky rice for closeness, and noodles for long life.
    • Fireworks and Noise Making: Participate in community fireworks or make noise to ward off evil spirits.
• Holy Week (April 2024) Holy Week, including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, is a significant observance for the predominantly Catholic population. It’s a time of reflection and penance, marked by religious processions, the Passion play known as ‘Senakulo’, and Visita Iglesia – visiting seven churches.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Spiritual Reflection: Engage in religious activities such as attending church services or participating in Lenten rituals.
    • Visita Iglesia: Visit seven churches to pray and reflect on the Stations of the Cross.
    • Senakulo: Watch or participate in local reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
• Eid’l Fitr (Date varies) Eid’l Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a significant holiday for the Muslim population. The date varies as it’s based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s a day of feasting and gratitude, with prayers and gatherings.
• Eid al-Adha (Date varies) This Islamic festival commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Like Eid’l Fitr, its date varies. It’s observed with prayers and the distribution of food to the needy.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Community Feasting: Join or host a feast to celebrate the end of Ramadan or the sacrifice of Ibrahim.
    • Charitable Giving: Participate in giving alms to the needy, reflecting the spirit of sharing and community.

National Holidays

• Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9, 2024) Also known as Day of Valor, this holiday commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II. It’s a day of remembrance for the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers, observed with ceremonies and tributes.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Attend Commemorative Events: Participate in local ceremonies that honor the bravery of soldiers.
    • Educational Activities: Learn or teach about the historical significance of the Battle of Bataan and Corregidor.
• Independence Day (June 12, 2024) This day marks the Philippines’ independence from Spanish rule in 1898. Celebrations include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural shows highlighting Filipino heritage.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Flag-Raising Ceremonies: Attend or watch televised national flag-raising events.
    • Cultural Shows and Parades: Participate in or attend parades and cultural performances showcasing Filipino history and arts.
• National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August) This holiday honors the national heroes of the Philippines. It’s a day of reflection on the nation’s history and the sacrifices made for freedom and sovereignty.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Visit Historical Sites: Explore museums or monuments dedicated to national heroes.
    • Educational Discussions: Engage in discussions or readings about the contributions of Filipino heroes.
• Bonifacio Day (November 30, 2024) This day commemorates the birth of Andres Bonifacio, a national hero who played a key role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Activities include ceremonies and historical reenactments.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Ceremonies and Reenactments: Attend events commemorating the life of Andres Bonifacio.
    • Community Engagements: Participate in community discussions or activities focusing on Philippine history.

Special Non-Working Holidays

• Chinese New Year (Date varies) With a significant Chinese-Filipino population, the Chinese New Year is celebrated with dragon dances, fireworks, and feasting. It’s a vibrant cultural spectacle reflecting the Chinese influence on Filipino culture.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Cultural Immersion: Engage in Chinese-Filipino cultural activities, like dragon dances or lantern festivals.
    • Traditional Feasting: Enjoy Chinese cuisine and share meals with family and friends.
• Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21, 2024) This day honors the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a key figure in the opposition against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. It’s a time to remember his contribution to the restoration of democracy.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Remembrance Activities: Attend or organize events that pay tribute to Ninoy Aquino’s legacy.
    • Reflective Learning: Read about or discuss the role of Ninoy Aquino in Philippine democracy.
• All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) Filipinos visit cemeteries and memorial parks to clean and decorate the graves of their departed loved ones. It’s a family affair marked with prayers and remembrance.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Cemetery Visits: Visit, clean, and decorate the graves of loved ones.
    • Family Gatherings: Spend time with family, sharing stories and memories of departed relatives.
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8, 2024) This Catholic feast day is observed with special masses and religious activities across the country.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Attend Mass: Participate in special church services honoring the Immaculate Conception.
    • Community Gatherings: Join community events or processions celebrating this feast.
• Christmas Season The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest Christmas season, starting as early as September and culminating with the Feast of the Three Kings in January. Christmas Day and Rizal Day (in honor of national hero José Rizal) are the highlights of this season, celebrated with fervor and joy.
  • Suggested Activities:
    • Simbang Gabi: Participate in the traditional nine-day series of masses leading up to Christmas.
    • Festive Decorations: Decorate homes with traditional parols (star lanterns) and Christmas lights.
    • Gift Giving and Sharing: Exchange gifts and share meals during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Conclusion

In 2024, as in every year, the public holidays in the Philippines will offer a blend of solemnity, celebration, and reflection. These holidays are not only a break from the everyday hustle but also a time for Filipinos to reconnect with their cultural roots, honor their history, and celebrate their diverse heritage. Each holiday carries its unique traditions and practices, making the Filipino holiday calendar a colorful tapestry of the nation’s rich and varied cultural landscape.