Philippine public holidays and festivals
The official holiday calendar, how holidays affect banks, offices and travel, and the major festivals — Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Kadayawan and more.
Community-written and moderated by volunteers. Based on real experiences and official sources — offices may interpret rules differently.
Processes may vary by office, city or province. Always confirm with your local agency before traveling.
Summary
The official holiday calendar, how holidays affect banks, offices and travel, and the major festivals — Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Kadayawan and more.
Key facts
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What's included
- Downloadable checklist
- Contacts & official links
- Realistic timeline
- Expats' mistakes & shortcuts
- Updates when rules change
A glimpse
Why holidays matter to expats On public holidays banks, government offices and many businesses close, schedules change, and the whole country travels. Planning around them saves you wasted trips and missed deadlines. The government publishes the official holiday list each year — regular holidays and special non working days are announced separately, and the dates can shift from year to year. The major fixed holidays New Year's Day (1 January) Araw ng Kagitingan / Day of Valour (April) Labour Day (1 May) Independence Day (12 June) National Heroes' Day (last Monday of August) Christmas Day (25…
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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this process.
Filipinos start celebrating in September ('Ber months') — malls play Christmas music and the pace of business changes. Christmas Day is 25 December, but the season effectively runs for months.
Usually not — special non-working days close banks and government offices even though they are not 'regular' holidays. Check with your bank.
Holy Week is the largest domestic travel period — transport sells out weeks in advance. Book early or stay put.
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Edit history
1 revisions · every change is recorded and reversible
- v1Published25d ago
Gap guide from official sources.
ATby Archipelago TeamEN: Original onlyES: Reviewed translation