Philippine Holidays You Must Know Before Studying in Cebu (2025 Edition)

Philippine Holidays You Must Know Before Studying in Cebu (2025 Edition)

A Month-by-Month Guide to National, Local, and Cultural Celebrations

✍️ Introduction

Planning to study English in Cebu in 2025? You’re in for an unforgettable experience—but before you book your flight and finalize your schedule, there’s one thing you absolutely need to be aware of: Philippine holidays.

Unlike many Western countries where holidays are mostly fixed and predictable, the Philippines has a rich and complex calendar of national, local, and religious observances—some planned well in advance, others announced just weeks (or even days) before. These holidays often result in school closures, canceled classes, or rescheduled lessons, and they can significantly affect your academic calendar, travel plans, and even your budget.

Whether it’s Maundy Thursday, Independence Day, Cebu Charter Day, or even Chinese Lunar New Year, each holiday reflects a unique part of Filipino history, culture, or spirituality. And as a student in Cebu, understanding these holidays isn’t just about knowing when you’ll have a day off—it’s about engaging with the community, respecting local traditions, and maximizing your time here.

This article will take you through a month-by-month guide to all major Philippine holidays in 2025, including national holidays observed across the country, local holidays specific to Cebu City and Cebu Province, and key cultural and religious events. You’ll also learn:

• The meaning and background of each holiday

• Whether classes are likely to be canceled

• Tips for using long weekends and holiday breaks wisely

Let’s dive into the full 2025 holiday calendar so you can study smarter, plan better, and experience Cebu like a local.

January – New Year, New Beginnings

January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day

Type: National Holiday (Public Holiday)
Status: All schools and government offices closed

New Year’s Day in the Philippines is a major celebration that follows a festive Christmas season. Families welcome the new year with fireworks, midnight feasts called Media Noche, and house blessings. On January 1, nearly all businesses, schools, and government offices—including language schools like 3D ACADEMY—are closed.

Student Tip:
Avoid arriving in Cebu on or around January 1. Many services, including immigration offices, malls, and transportation, operate on limited hours or not at all.

January 29 (Wednesday) – Chinese Lunar New Year

Type: Special Non-Working Holiday (tentative, subject to official announcement)
Status: Classes may be suspended depending on school policy

Although the Philippines is not a predominantly Chinese country, Chinese New Year is widely acknowledged—especially in cities with large Chinese-Filipino communities like Cebu. Festivities include lion dances, fireworks, and special meals. Some language schools may choose to cancel or shorten classes, especially if many of their students or staff are from Chinese backgrounds.

Student Tip:
Check your school’s holiday calendar in advance. Even if classes are held, you might want to explore the local events in Cebu City’s downtown Pari-an area or SM City Cebu’s Chinese New Year displays.

Summary for January:

February – Local Pride and Quiet Reflection

️ February 24 (Monday) – Cebu City Charter Day

Type: Local Holiday (Cebu City only)
Status: Schools in Cebu City closed; schools in other areas open

Cebu City Charter Day celebrates the founding of Cebu City as a chartered city in 1937. While not a national holiday, it’s a significant local celebration, especially for those living or studying within city limits. The day is often marked with parades, cultural events, and flag ceremonies.

If your school—like 3D ACADEMY—is located within Cebu City, it will likely suspend classes for the day. However, other areas in Cebu Province may operate as usual.

Student Tip:
Use this day to explore Cebu’s historical spots like Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, or join local civic activities. Just be aware that government offices in Cebu City will also be closed.

Summary for February:

March – Uncertain Timing, Certain Importance

March 31 (Monday, tentative) – Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

Type: National Holiday (date subject to official moon sighting)
Status: Confirmed by the Office of the President ~1–2 weeks before

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. While the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, it has a significant Muslim population, especially in the Mindanao region. As a result, Eid al-Fitr is observed nationwide as a public holiday once proclaimed by the President.

The exact date changes every year, based on the Islamic lunar calendar, and is typically announced just a few days in advance. This can make it hard to plan for, especially for students and schools.

In Cebu, where the Muslim population is smaller, the celebrations are more subdued, but schools—including ESL institutions—will likely suspend classes in accordance with national policy.

Student Tip:
Watch for official announcements via news outlets or school bulletins. Avoid scheduling important appointments or travel near the end of March, just in case this holiday is declared.

Summary for March:

April – Holy Week and National Reflection

✝️ April 9 (Wednesday) – Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools closed

Araw ng Kagitingan commemorates the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II, particularly those involved in the Bataan Death March. It’s a day of national remembrance, often marked with official ceremonies and military tributes. All schools and most businesses are closed.

Student Tip:
Expect long lines at memorial parks and travel congestion around holidays close to Holy Week.

✝️ April 17 (Thursday) – Maundy Thursday

✝️ April 18 (Friday) – Good Friday

✝️ April 19 (Saturday) – Black Saturday

Type: National Holidays (Holy Week)
Status: All schools closed; some shops may close or operate limited hours

Holy Week is the most solemn period in the Catholic calendar. It marks the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is observed across the Philippines with great reverence. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are official non-working holidays, while Black Saturday is traditionally observed as a quiet day.

In Cebu, many businesses close, streets are quieter, and processions or religious reenactments (e.g., Sinakulo) may occur.

Student Tip:
Plan ahead for food, cash, and transportation. Many restaurants and malls reduce their hours or shut down completely. Take the chance to witness unique local religious customs.

Summary for April:

May – Honoring Workers Across the Nation

May 1 (Thursday) – Labor Day

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools and government offices closed

Labor Day in the Philippines is a major public holiday honoring the contribution of Filipino workers to society and the economy. Similar to International Workers’ Day, it is observed with parades, labor union gatherings, and various rallies in urban areas such as Cebu City.

While ESL schools are not directly involved in these events, they suspend all classes in observance of the holiday.

Student Tip:
This is a great time to rest or take a short trip, but plan ahead—many local tourist spots will be crowded, and public transport might be limited due to rallies and road closures. ATMs and malls may also be busier than usual.

Summary for May:

June – Celebrating Freedom and National Identity

June 12 (Thursday) – Independence Day

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools, offices, and most establishments closed

Independence Day marks the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898. It is the most patriotic holiday in the country and is celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and public cultural performances.

In Cebu and across the nation, streets are decorated with Philippine flags, and government buildings hold formal observances. Many Filipinos use the day to reflect on national history and pride.

All schools, including ESL institutions, will close for the day, and students should plan accordingly.

Student Tip:
You may want to join local parades or visit Cebu’s historical landmarks like Magellan’s Cross or the Heritage of Cebu Monument to deepen your understanding of Filipino culture.

Summary for June:

July – A Full Month of Study and Exploration

No Official Holidays in July 2025

Type: Regular academic month
Status: All schools open as usual

July stands out as one of the few months in the Philippines without any official public holidays—no national or local observances are scheduled for 2025. For ESL students in Cebu, this means a consistent study schedule without interruptions.

This uninterrupted stretch is ideal for making solid academic progress, preparing for exams (like IELTS or TOEIC), or developing speaking fluency through intensive classes.

Student Tip:
With no breaks this month, consider planning weekend excursions to nearby destinations like Moalboal, Bohol, or even island-hopping tours around Mactan. It’s also a good time to start thinking ahead for August, which includes several holidays.

Summary for July:

August – Local Pride and National Heroes

️ August 6 (Wednesday) – Cebu Provincial Foundation Day

Type: Local Holiday (Cebu Province only)
Status: Most schools in Cebu close

This day celebrates the founding of Cebu Province, one of the oldest and most historically significant provinces in the Philippines. While it is not a national holiday, schools and government offices within Cebu often suspend classes.

Student Tip:
If your ESL school is located in Cebu City or Mandaue, check with the school calendar—some may still hold classes if the city doesn’t observe the holiday.

️ August 21 (Thursday) – Ninoy Aquino Day

Type: National Non-Working Holiday
Status: All schools closed

Ninoy Aquino Day honors the life and death of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., whose assassination in 1983 sparked the People Power Revolution. It’s a day of remembrance for democracy and political freedom in the Philippines.

August 25 (Monday) – National Heroes Day

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools and offices closed

This holiday celebrates the contributions of countless unnamed Filipino heroes throughout the country’s history. Parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and patriotic speeches are common on this day.

Student Tip:
August often offers long weekends, so it’s a great month for a short vacation. However, travel demand increases during this time, so book early.

Summary for August:

September – Honoring Cebu’s Political Legacy

September 9 (Monday) – Osmeña Day

Type: Local Holiday (Cebu Province and City)
Status: Most schools in Cebu closed

Osmeña Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sergio Osmeña Sr., the fourth President of the Philippines and a native of Cebu. He is celebrated for his leadership during the Philippine Commonwealth era and for advocating for national unity and democratic principles.

The holiday is observed in Cebu Province and Cebu City, with schools, universities, and many offices closing for the day. Civic ceremonies and cultural events may be held in his honor.

Student Tip:
If you’re studying in Cebu, this is another break you can use to relax or explore. Tourist destinations in the area may be busier than usual, so consider booking accommodations or tours in advance if you plan to travel.

Summary for September:

October – The Beginning of the Holiday Season

️ October 31 (Friday) – All Saints’ Day Eve

Type: Special (Non-Working) Holiday (Unofficial / Observed)
Status: Some schools may close early or suspend classes

Although not officially declared as a nationwide non-working holiday every year, October 31 is often observed informally as a day for families to prepare for All Saints’ Day (November 1). Many schools and offices grant early dismissal or close for the day, especially if it creates a long weekend.

The date marks the beginning of a deeply religious and cultural period in the Philippines, where families travel to their provinces to clean graves, light candles, and offer prayers for their ancestors.

Student Tip:
If your school is still open on this day, expect reduced attendance and early dismissal. If you’re planning to travel during this long weekend, make bookings well in advance—buses, ferries, and hotels get crowded quickly.

Summary for October:

November – A Month of Remembrance and Revolution

️ November 1 (Saturday) – All Saints’ Day

Type: Special (Non-Working) Holiday
Status: All schools and many businesses closed

All Saints’ Day is one of the most important holidays in the Philippines, dedicated to honoring deceased saints and loved ones. Families gather at cemeteries to offer flowers, light candles, and share meals in memory of their departed.

Student Tip:
If you’re staying with a host family or in a dormitory, expect quiet days or temporary closures. This is a perfect time to observe Filipino family traditions and deepen your cultural understanding.

️ November 2 (Sunday) – All Souls’ Day

Type: Observed (Not always official)
Status: Some schools and offices remain closed

While not always an official non-working day, many people continue cemetery visits and prayers on All Souls’ Day, especially if it falls near a weekend. It extends the period of remembrance and is treated with deep respect.

️ November 30 (Sunday) – Bonifacio Day

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools and offices closed

Bonifacio Day commemorates the birth of Andrés Bonifacio, a national hero who founded the Katipunan movement against Spanish colonization. It is a day to honor courage and revolution, celebrated with flag ceremonies and civic parades.

Student Tip:
Be aware that November often includes a long weekend, especially if holidays fall close to Fridays or Mondays. Plan accordingly for travel or rest.

Summary for November:

December – The Heart of the Holiday Season

December is the most festive month in the Philippines, marked by a long string of holidays filled with family gatherings, religious traditions, and nationwide celebrations. If you’re studying in Cebu during this time, expect vibrant decorations, Christmas music in malls, and many shortened or canceled classes as the month progresses.

December 8 (Monday) – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools and offices closed

This Catholic holiday honors the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and it’s a major feast day for many Filipinos. Masses are held across the country, especially in churches named after the Virgin Mary.

December 24 (Wednesday) – Christmas Eve

Type: Special Non-Working Holiday
Status: Most schools and offices closed or half-day

Families gather for Noche Buena, a traditional midnight feast, and exchange gifts. Streets become quieter in the evening as people head home to celebrate.

December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas Day

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools and offices closed

Christmas in the Philippines is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, mixing religious and secular traditions. Expect festive meals, gift-giving, and cheerful community events.

️ December 30 (Tuesday) – Rizal Day

Type: National Holiday
Status: All schools and offices closed

This day commemorates the execution of Dr. José Rizal, the national hero who fought for Filipino independence through education and reform. Government-led wreath-laying ceremonies are held in parks and historical landmarks.

December 31 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Eve

Type: Special Non-Working Holiday
Status: Most schools and businesses close early

Families prepare for Media Noche, the grand New Year’s Eve feast. Fireworks, noise-making, and superstitions (like wearing polka dots or jumping at midnight) are all part of the fun.

Bonus:
Although not part of December, January 1, 2026 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day is also a national holiday and part of the extended holiday season.

Summary for December:

Conclusion: Plan Smart, Embrace the Culture

Studying English in the Philippines isn’t just about improving your language skills—it’s also about immersing yourself in a rich cultural landscape shaped by history, religion, and community.

The Filipino calendar is filled with diverse holidays, from solemn national commemorations to lively family-centered festivities. Whether it’s the reflective silence of Holy Week or the joyous celebrations of Christmas, each holiday offers a unique window into Filipino values and way of life.

What This Means for Students:

• Plan your academic calendar carefully. Expect closures around major holidays like Holy Week, Christmas, and All Saints’ Day. Build flexibility into your study plan.

• Use holidays for meaningful travel. Long weekends and breaks are perfect opportunities to explore Cebu or nearby islands like Bohol, Siquijor, or Palawan.

• Engage in cultural exchange. Participate in local celebrations with your host family or classmates—it’s an authentic way to connect with the community.

• Be prepared logistically. Book transport or accommodation in advance during peak seasons like December and Holy Week.

Final Thought:

Knowing the Philippine holidays isn’t just useful for logistics—it helps you connect more deeply with the people around you. By understanding when and why Filipinos pause to celebrate, you’ll gain more than language fluency—you’ll earn cultural fluency.

So bring your curiosity, an open heart, and a good calendar app—your year in the Philippines will be unforgettable.

⚠️ Important Notes on Philippine Holidays

• Holidays in the Philippines are sometimes declared on short notice. The government may announce additional “special holidays” or adjust dates for long weekends with only a few weeks—or even days—of lead time.

• Each school has its own holiday policies. While national holidays typically mean closures, some ESL schools may still hold classes on certain special or local holidays.

• Always confirm with your school. Before booking trips or making plans around holidays, it’s best to check with your school’s academic office to avoid any miscommunication.

By staying flexible and informed, you’ll make the most of both your learning and cultural experiences in the Philippines.