Philippine holidays (2026/2027)

2027 holidays

The calendar below reflects the expected class suspensions based on the information available as of September 2026. The dates of Chinese New Year and the Islamic holidays (Eid) are estimates based on lunar observation and may change depending on the official announcement of the Philippine government.

2026 holidays

The calendar below reflects the expected class suspensions based on the information available as of April 2025.

Guide to holidays in the Philippines and Cebu Island

Throughout the year, the Philippines celebrates many public holidays rooted in Catholic religious traditions, historical events and commemorative dates specific to each region. In particular, Cebu Island has its own local holidays, such as “Cebu City Charter Day,” “Cebu Provincial Foundation Day” and “Osmena Day.” These holidays often affect class suspensions at language schools, the operation of public institutions and the opening hours of businesses, so it is very important for international students and tourists to know about them in advance.

Nationwide public holidays in the Philippines

• New Year's Day (January 1): the day when the arrival of the new year is celebrated with fireworks and family gatherings.
• Chinese Lunar New Year: a New Year festivity celebrated mainly by the country's Chinese community.
• Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan / April 9): a day to commemorate those who fell in World War II and to honor their bravery.
• Holy Week (March-April): the biggest Catholic religious event, including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday.
• Labor Day (May 1): a holiday dedicated to workers' rights.
• Independence Day (June 12): the day that commemorates independence from Spain in 1898.
• Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21): a day in memory of Ninoy Aquino, hero of the democratic movement.
• National Heroes Day (last Monday of August): a holiday in honor of the heroes who fought for the country's independence.
• All Saints' Day (November 1): the day when families visit the graves of their ancestors, a tradition close to the Japanese Obon.
• All Souls' Day (November 2): a day to remember ancestors and pray for the souls of the departed.
• Bonifacio Day (November 30): the day that commemorates the birth of Andrés Bonifacio, hero of the independence movement.
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): a day in honor of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of the Philippines.
• Christmas Day (December 25) and Christmas Eve (December 24): the main festivity, celebrated with family, the high point of one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world.
• Rizal Day (December 30): a day in memory of the martyrdom of national hero José Rizal.
• Last Day of the Year (December 31): New Year's Eve, celebrated with firecrackers and fireworks.
• Muslim holidays (Eid al-Fitr / Eid al-Adha): major festivities celebrated by Muslims, whose dates are determined each year shortly before they arrive.

Local holidays specific to Cebu Island

• Cebu City Charter Day (February 24): the day that commemorates the official recognition of Cebu as a city in 1937.
• Cebu Provincial Foundation Day (August 6): a festivity in honor of the founding of Cebu Province, celebrated mainly outside Cebu City.
• Osmena Day (September 9): a local holiday in honor of former president Sergio Osmena, who was born in Cebu.

These holidays have a significant influence on class suspensions at language schools, on the closing of banks and public institutions, and on transport and business hours. For this reason, it is very important for students who study in Cebu and tourists who visit to know about them in advance. At the same time, holidays are an excellent opportunity to get closer to Filipino culture: Holy Week, Christmas, All Saints' Day and other dates let you better understand the values of the local people and their family ties. When planning your stay in Cebu, try to learn the meaning of these holidays and enjoy a truly local experience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)