2026 Philippines Holidays: Complete List of National and Special Non-Working Days

The official list of 2026 public holidays in the Philippines includes both regular and special non-working days, covering important national events, religious observances, and seasonal celebrations. These holiday dates impact work schedules, school calendars, and government services nationwide.

Knowing the holiday dates helps families plan vacations, workers arrange leave, and businesses prepare for busy or closed periods. Planning around these holidays makes it easier to celebrate, travel, or manage important tasks. Many Filipinos also use long weekends for reunions, trips, or religious activities.

The 2026 Philippine holidays give people time for rest and tradition, as well as a chance to honor national heroes and cultural milestones. Staying up to date with the latest holiday information ensures everyone can make the most of their plans throughout the year.

Overview of 2026 Philippines Holidays

The Philippines observes many national and special holidays throughout 2026. Holidays can affect work schedules, school calendars, and government services nationwide.

Types of Philippine Holidays

Philippine holidays are grouped mainly as Regular Holidays, Special (Non-Working) Days, and Special Working Holidays.

• Regular Holidays are nationwide, and most employees have the day off with pay. Labor laws mandate premium pay for those working.
• Special (Non-Working) Days often recognize historical or religious events. These offer businesses flexibility, as compensation rules differ from those for regular holidays.
• Special Working Holidays are normal working days but mark important observances. Employees are not paid extra, but events are still remembered.

Notable examples include New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Independence Day, and Christmas Day. Some holidays are specific to certain regions or sectors, like Chinese New Year or Eid’l Fitr, which depend on the lunar calendar.

How Holidays Are Determined

Philippine public holidays are set by Republic Acts and presidential proclamations. Each year, the Office of the President releases a list of holidays and their dates.

Regular holidays are often tied to fixed dates, such as January 1 for New Year’s Day or June 12 for Independence Day. Special holidays can be movable, and religious events like Holy Week change dates each year based on the Christian calendar.

Some Islamic holidays, like Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha, follow the Islamic lunar calendar. Their actual dates are announced close to the event, based on moon sightings. The government may add or adjust dates as needed, and changes are usually posted officially.

List of Official Public Holidays in the Philippines 2026

The Philippines observes many public holidays each year, combining major national events, religious observances, and commemorative dates. These dates impact government offices, businesses, and schools in cities like Manila and across the country.

Major Annual National Holidays

Major national holidays are observed by everyone. These days are recognized by law, and most businesses, banks, and schools close operations. The most significant holidays in 2026 include:

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Araw ng Kagitingan – 9 April
• Maundy Thursday – 17 April
• Good Friday – 18 April
• Labor Day – 1 May
• Independence Day – 12 June
• National Heroes Day – 25 August
• Bonifacio Day – 30 November
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Rizal Day – 30 December

Holy Week holidays such as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are also official. Many families travel or hold reunions during these days. Each holiday commemorates important historical or religious events that are widely respected across the country.

Special Non-Working Holidays

Special non-working holidays, declared by the government, typically provide a day off for many workers and students. While offices and businesses in cities like Manila may close, this can vary by sector. Some notable special non-working holidays in 2026 include:

• Ninoy Aquino Day – 21 August
• All Saints Day – 1 November
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – 8 December
• Last Day of the Year – 31 December

Pay rules differ on these special days compared to regular holidays. These dates are often marked by events and traditions, such as church services or visits to cemeteries during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

Additional Special Non-Working Days

Beyond these specific holidays, additional special non-working days may be declared to honor events or prepare for national happenings. Observances vary based on current events or presidential proclamations. These days offer opportunities for relaxation, celebration, and community-building, reinforcing cultural and societal connections across the nation.

List of Special (Working) Days for 2026:

• EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary – 25 February
• Additional Special (Non-Working) Days:
• Chinese New Year – 29 January
• Black Saturday – 19 April
• Christmas Eve – 24 December
• All Saints’ Day Eve – 31 October

Significant Working Holidays

Certain holidays are observed while regular work continues. These are called “working holidays” and may have ceremonies, flag-raising activities, or simple commemorations. Participation is common in schools and government offices, especially in Manila.

One example is National Heroes Day. While it is widely celebrated, government guidelines dictate whether it is a non-working day each year. The First Philippine Republic Day on January 23 is another day when people remember historic events. On these dates, most daily routines remain unchanged, while official activities highlight the holiday’s significance.

Religious Holidays and Traditions

Religious holidays in the Philippines reflect its diverse culture and the influence of both Christianity and Islam. Major events each year include Catholic feasts and important Muslim observances.

Feast of the Sacrifice

The Feast of the Sacrifice, also known as Eid al-Adha, is an important holiday for Filipino Muslims. It honors Ibrahim (Abraham) for obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son. Across the Philippines, this day is marked by prayers, sermons, and charitable giving.

Communities gather in mosques and open fields for special morning prayers. After prayers, Muslims perform ritual animal sacrifice, usually goats or cows, to remember Ibrahim’s devotion. A portion of the meat is shared with relatives, especially with those in need.

Local governments in areas with large Muslim populations may declare special non-working days for Eid al-Adha. Families come together to celebrate, share meals, and visit loved ones. It is a public holiday nationwide if officially declared, based on the lunar calendar.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated by Filipino Catholics on December 8. It honors the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. The day is a holy day of obligation, meaning Catholics are expected to attend Mass.

In cities and small towns, churches hold special services and processions. Schools often hold programs about Mary’s life and virtues. Many communities also decorate altars and pray the Rosary together during the day.

Since 2017, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception has been a national holiday in the Philippines. For many Filipinos, the day signals the approaching Christmas season. Parishes and religious groups sometimes organize charitable works in Mary’s honor.

Eid al-Fitr and Other Islamic Holidays

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the monthlong period of fasting for Muslims. In the Philippines, this holiday is sometimes called “Hari Raya Puasa.” The exact date changes each year because it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

On Eid al-Fitr, Filipino Muslims gather early for special prayers and sermons at mosques or prayer grounds. Families wear new or special clothes to celebrate the day and often visit friends and relatives. Food plays a key role, with traditional meals shared with neighbors.

Other important Islamic dates include Maulid al-Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) and the Islamic New Year. The government may declare national or local holidays for major Islamic observances. These celebrations highlight the rich traditions of the country’s Muslim communities.

Historical and Political Observances

Historical and political holidays in the Philippines mark key events and honor significant leaders who influenced the nation’s path. These observances promote civic awareness and highlight the country’s struggles for democracy and independence.

EDSA Revolution Anniversary

EDSA Revolution Anniversary takes place every February 25. This day remembers the People Power Revolution in 1986, when millions of Filipinos marched along EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) in Manila. The peaceful uprising ended the two-decade rule of President Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy.

Schools and government offices are closed as the nation holds ceremonies, especially near the EDSA Shrine. Activities often include speeches from public officials, reenactments, and religious services. Media outlets feature documentaries and interviews about the event’s importance.

People use the day to reflect on the values of freedom and unity. Many young Filipinos learn about the events from family and textbooks, while survivors often share their memories.

Ninoy Aquino Day

Ninoy Aquino Day is observed on August 21. This holiday remembers the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983. His death at the Manila International Airport led to protests and played a key role in ending the Marcos dictatorship.

The day is a special non-working holiday, a time for both remembering and educating. Events include wreath-laying at the Ninoy Aquino monument and tributes organized by government institutions and private groups. Television programs often feature his speeches and life story.

Ninoy Aquino’s sacrifice is seen as a symbol of courage and love for the country. Schools discuss his legacy, and families visit memorials or churches to pray for justice and peace.

Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated each year on June 12. It marks the day in 1898 when the Philippines declared independence from Spanish rule in Kawit, Cavite. This national holiday is one of the most important in the country.

The President leads a flag-raising ceremony and delivers a speech at Independence Day sites, such as the Aguinaldo Shrine. Parades, cultural shows, and fireworks displays are organized nationwide. Government buildings and many homes display the Philippine flag.

This holiday reminds all Filipinos about their nation’s fight for sovereignty. Historical exhibits and educational programs are held to teach new generations about the struggles and triumphs that shaped the Philippines.

Celebrations Honoring National Heroes

People in the Philippines celebrate several important holidays to honor their national heroes. These dates are marked by official ceremonies, educational events, and family gatherings that remind everyone about the country’s past and the sacrifices made by these individuals.

José Rizal’s Birthday

José Rizal’s birthday falls on June 19 every year. While it is not a public holiday, many schools, government institutions, and historical groups commemorate this day. Activities include lectures, art contests, and wreath-laying ceremonies at Rizal shrines, especially in Calamba, Laguna—his hometown.

Rizal’s life and works are usually the main topics in special programs held in classrooms. Teachers and students discuss how Rizal contributed to Philippine independence by writing books like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

There may also be public exhibits showing items and documents related to Rizal. These events encourage young Filipinos to remember his ideals of freedom, justice, and national pride.

Rizal Day

Rizal Day is a national holiday observed every December 30. It marks the anniversary of José Rizal’s execution in 1896 at Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park) in Manila. The government leads ceremonies, including raising the Philippine flag and offering flowers at the Rizal Monument.

National and local leaders often give speeches about Rizal’s life and the role of heroes in shaping the nation. Public offices, schools, and even some businesses close for the day. Historical documentaries and films about Rizal’s life often air on TV.

It is a day marked with both solemnity and respect. Many families take the opportunity to visit parks or museums to learn more about Philippine history.

Bonifacio Day

Bonifacio Day is held every November 30 to honor Andrés Bonifacio, known as the “Father of the Philippine Revolution.” It is a regular public holiday, meaning many people have the day off from work and school.

Major events are held at Bonifacio monuments, especially in Manila and Caloocan. These usually include wreath-laying ceremonies, patriotic speeches, and sometimes parades. The focus is on remembering Bonifacio’s role in founding the Katipunan, the group that began the struggle for independence from Spain.

Teachers use the day to teach students about Bonifacio’s courage, leadership, and dedication to the rights of ordinary Filipinos. Families may visit historical sites together or participate in community activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Philippines has a set of public and special holidays each year, some with fixed dates and others that change. Knowing these dates helps people plan events, vacations, and business activities.

What are the officially declared public holidays in the Philippines for the year 2026?

The officially declared public holidays in 2026 include New Year’s Day (January 1), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (August 31), Bonifacio Day (November 30), Christmas Day (December 25), and Rizal Day (December 30).

Some dates, like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, change each year according to the Christian calendar.

Where can I find a printable version of the 2026 Philippines holiday calendar?

Printable versions of the 2026 Philippines holiday calendar are available on reliable sites such as CalendarDate.com, CalendarLabs, and ClockZone. These sites usually provide downloadable formats such as PDFs or image files for easier reference.

Which dates are recognized as non-working holidays in the Philippines in 2026?

Non-working holidays typically include public holidays such as New Year’s Day, Holy Week (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday), Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Independence Day, National Heroes Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas Day, and Rizal Day. The government often releases an official proclamation with a full list later in the year.

What is the date for Holy Week observances in the Philippines in 2026?

In 2026, Maundy Thursday falls on April 2, and Good Friday falls on April 3. Black Saturday (April 4) and Easter Sunday (April 5) are also observed, but only Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are regular non-working holidays.

Are there any special holidays declared in the Philippines for the year 2026?

The president may declare additional special holidays, including Chinese New Year, the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas Eve. The final list is usually released in a government proclamation closer to the year.

How can I check if a specific date is a national holiday in the Philippines in 2026?

To check if a specific date is a holiday, visit the official website of the Philippine government or consult trusted online calendars of Philippine holidays. Many reliable calendar sites update their lists as soon as proclamations are released.

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