Philippine Public Holidays: Pay Rules and Traditions
Understand Philippine regular holidays, special non-working days and traditions, with practical guidance for Holy Week, Eid, Christmas and travel.
11 min readPhilippines holiday calendar
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Philippines public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Philippines calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.
No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. December is the busiest month, with 5 listed dates.
The table lists 21 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s DayA regular nationwide public holiday on January 1 marking the start of the civil year. | Public holiday | — | |
| Chinese New YearA 2026 special non-working day recognising the Lunar New Year and Filipino Chinese heritage. | Public holiday | — | |
| EDSA People PowerThe February 25 anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution; in 2026 it is a special working day, not a day off. | Cultural observance | — | |
| Eid’l FitrA regular nationwide holiday marking the end of Ramadan, with the 2026 date proclaimed as March 20. | Public holiday | — | |
| Maundy ThursdayA regular nationwide holiday on the Thursday before Easter, beginning the central days of the Philippine Holy Week break. | Public holiday | — | |
| Good FridayA regular nationwide holiday on the Friday before Easter commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. | Public holiday | — | |
| Black SaturdayA special non-working day on the Saturday before Easter, following the solemn Good Friday observance. | Public holiday | — | |
| Day of ValorA regular national holiday on April 9 commemorating courage and sacrifice during the Second World War. | Public holiday | — | |
| Labour DayA regular nationwide holiday on May 1 recognising workers and labour movements. | Public holiday | — | |
| Eid’l AdhaA regular nationwide holiday for the Feast of Sacrifice, proclaimed for May 27 in 2026. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence DayA regular national holiday on June 12 commemorating the 1898 declaration of independence. | Public holiday | — | |
| Ninoy Aquino DayA special non-working day on August 21 commemorating Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. | Public holiday | — | |
| National Heroes DayA regular holiday on the last Monday of August honouring those who contributed to Philippine nationhood. | Public holiday | — | |
| All Saints’ DayA special non-working day on November 1, when many Filipino families remember deceased relatives and visit cemeteries. | Public holiday | — | |
| All Souls’ DayA special non-working day on November 2 in 2026, continuing the Filipino season of prayer and remembrance for the dead. | Public holiday | — | |
| Bonifacio DayA regular nationwide holiday on November 30 commemorating Andrés Bonifacio. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Bonifacio Day in Philippines. | Public holiday | — | |
| Immaculate ConceptionA special non-working day on December 8 for the Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas EveAn additional special non-working day on December 24 in the official 2026 holiday calendar. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayA regular nationwide holiday on December 25 at the centre of the Philippine Christmas season. | Public holiday | — | |
| Rizal DayA regular nationwide holiday on December 30 commemorating the life, writings and 1896 execution of José Rizal. | Public holiday | — | |
| Last Day of the YearA special non-working day on December 31 in the Philippine national holiday calendar. | Public holiday | — |
Stories behind the dates
Go beyond the calendar with editorial guides to public-holiday rules, historical context and the ways people observe important dates.
Understand Philippine regular holidays, special non-working days and traditions, with practical guidance for Holy Week, Eid, Christmas and travel.
11 min readCalendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.