PinyaPhilippine Holidays - A Country That Loves Days Off
Complete guide to Filipino holidays and celebrations. Learn the difference between Regular Holidays and Special Non-Working Days.
The Philippines Loves Holidays
The Philippines is one of the countries with the most holidays in the world.
With about 20 holidays per year, plus surprise days off for elections and typhoons!
Holiday Vocabulary
| English | Tagalog |
|---|---|
| Holiday | piyesta opisyal |
| Day off | araw ng pahinga |
| Regular holiday | regular holiday |
| Special holiday | special non-working day |
| Holiday economics | holiday economics |
| Long vacation | mahabang bakasyon |
Types of Holidays
The Philippines has two types of holidays:
Regular Holiday
- Working = 200% pay
- Not working = 100% pay (still paid!)
Special Non-Working Day
- Working = 130% pay
- Not working = no pay
Major Holidays
January - March
| Date | Holiday | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | Araw ng Bagong Taon |
| Feb 25 | EDSA Revolution Anniversary | EDSA People Power Anniversary |
| Varies | Chinese New Year | Chinese New Year |
| Varies | Maundy Thursday | Huwebes Santo |
| Varies | Good Friday | Biyernes Santo |
| Varies | Black Saturday | Sabado de Gloria |
April - June
| Date | Holiday | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 9 | Day of Valor | Araw ng Kagitingan |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Araw ng Manggagawa |
| Jun 12 | Independence Day | Araw ng Kalayaan |
July - September
| Date | Holiday | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 21 | Ninoy Aquino Day | Ninoy Aquino Day |
| Last Mon of Aug | National Heroes Day | National Heroes Day |
October - December
| Date | Holiday | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1 | All Saints' Day | Undas |
| Nov 30 | Bonifacio Day | Bonifacio Day |
| Dec 25 | Christmas | Pasko |
| Dec 30 | Rizal Day | Rizal Day |
| Dec 31 | New Year's Eve | Bisperas ng Bagong Taon |
Islamic Holidays (Varies)
| Holiday | Tagalog |
|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr | Eid'l Fitr |
| Eid al-Adha | Eid'l Adha |
Holiday Phrases
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
| Holiday bukas! | Tomorrow's a holiday! |
| Long weekend! | Long weekend! |
| Walang pasok bukas. | No work/school tomorrow. |
| May pasok ba bukas? | Is there work/school tomorrow? |
| Saan ka pupunta sa holiday? | Where are you going for the holiday? |
Sample Conversation
Asking about holiday plans:
A: Uy, long weekend next week! May plano ka? (Hey, long weekend next week! Any plans?)
B: Oo, uuwi ako sa probinsya. (Yeah, I'm going back to my hometown.)
A: Sarap! Ingat sa biyahe ha. (Nice! Safe travels!)
B: Salamat! Ikaw, anong gagawin mo? (Thanks! What about you?)
A: Pahinga lang sa bahay. Haha. (Just resting at home. Haha.)
Unique Features of Filipino Holidays
- Surprise holidays - Sudden days off for typhoons or elections
- Holiday economics - Dates adjusted to create long weekends
- Few substitute holidays - Weekends don't always get replacement days
- Local holidays - Cities and provinces have their own holidays
- Religious holidays - Both Catholic and Islamic holidays observed
Undas (All Saints' Day)
November 1-2 is called "Undas," the day for visiting graves.
Undas Traditions:
- Families visit cemeteries together
- Eating meals at the graveside
- Some stay overnight at cemeteries
- Massive traffic jams nationwide
Holiday Greetings
| Holiday | Greeting |
|---|---|
| New Year | Manigong Bagong Taon! |
| Christmas | Maligayang Pasko! |
| Independence Day | Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! |
| General | Happy holiday! / Enjoy! |
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