The Philippines is a nation known for its vibrant culture and fervent celebrations. In 2024, Filipinos will have plenty of opportunities to revel in their traditions and history, thanks to the list of regular holidays and special non-working days released by the Malacañang. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 368, ensuring the nation a year of rest, reflection, and festivity. In addition to this, several long weekends provide the perfect opportunity for a well-deserved vacation.
Regular Holidays in the Philippines 2024
Here's a list of the regular holidays in the Philippines for 2024:
- New Year's Day 2024 - January 1 (Monday)
- Maundy Thursday - March 28
- Good Friday - March 29
- Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 (Tuesday)
- Labor Day - May 1 (Wednesday)
- Independence Day - June 12 (Wednesday)
- National Heroes Day - August 26 (Monday)
- Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Saturday)
- Christmas Day - December 25 (Wednesday)
- Rizal Day 2024 - December 30 (Monday)
Special Non-Working Days and Celebrations
In addition to the regular holidays, Filipinos can look forward to special non-working days:
- Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Wednesday)
- All Saints' Day - November 1 (Friday)
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary - December 8 (Sunday)
- Last day of the year 2024 - December 31 (Tuesday)
Additional Special Non-Working Days for Celebration
Special non-working days like Chinese New Year, Black Saturday, All Souls' Day, and Christmas Eve are also part of the holiday calendar:
- Chinese New Year - February 10 (Saturday)
- Black Saturday - March 30
- All Souls' Day - November 2 (Saturday)
- Christmas Eve 2024 - December 24 (Tuesday)
Islamic Holidays and Observations
Separate proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha will follow once the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommends the dates. These holidays are based on the Islamic or lunar calendar.
Planning Your Long Weekends for 2024
The 2024 holiday calendar offers several long weekends, making it an ideal year for vacations and relaxation. Here's a guide to help you plan your time off:
January
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) - Rizal Day
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) - Last day of the year
- January 1 (Monday) - New Year's Day
March
- March 28 (Thursday) - Maundy Thursday
- March 29 (Friday) - Good Friday
- March 30 (Saturday) - Black Saturday
- March 31 (Sunday) - Easter Sunday
April
- April 6 (Saturday)
- April 7 (Sunday)
- April 8 (Monday) - consider filing for leave
- April 9 (Tuesday) - Araw Ng Kagitingan
August
- August 24 (Saturday)
- August 25 (Sunday)
- August 26 (Monday) - National Heroes Day
November
- November 1 (Friday) - All Saints' Day
- November 2 (Saturday) - All Souls' Day
- November 3 (Sunday)
December
- December 28 (Saturday)
- December 29 (Sunday)
- December 30 (Monday) - Rizal Day 2024
- December 31 (Tuesday) - Last day of the year 2024
So, mark your calendars and plan your vacations, as the Philippines in 2024 promises a year filled with opportunities to celebrate, relax, and reflect on the nation's history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the national hero celebrated on Rizal Day?
Rizal Day commemorates the life and works of Dr. José Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines. His writings and actions played a significant role in the country's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
2. What is the historical significance of Bonifacio Day?
Bonifacio Day honors the birth of Andrés Bonifacio, a key figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. It celebrates his contributions to the struggle for independence and the formation of the revolutionary society, Katipunan.
3. How do Filipinos typically celebrate Independence Day?
Filipinos celebrate Independence Day by participating in parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and various cultural events. It's a day to reflect on the country's history and the declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898.
4. What are regular holidays?
Regular holidays are established dates on which the Philippines commemorates historical events, national heroes, and significant occasions. These holidays are observed nationwide and typically involve various ceremonies, cultural activities, and time for reflection.
5. What are special non-working days?
Special non-working days are additional holidays in the Philippines that provide opportunities for rest, reflection, and celebration. While they may not have the same historical or cultural significance as regular holidays, they offer moments of respite and are often associated with specific observances or events.
6. When would I get double pay?
In the Philippines, double pay, or "holiday pay," is typically received by employees who work on regular holidays or special non-working days. The specific rules and rates for double pay can vary depending on the nature of your employment and your employer's policies. It's advisable to check with your employer or refer to labor laws for details on double pay entitlement.
7. Why is Ninoy Aquino Day observed in the Philippines?
Ninoy Aquino Day is observed to commemorate the assassination of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. His death in 1983 played a crucial role in the eventual downfall of the Marcos dictatorship and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.
8. How do Filipinos traditionally observe All Saints' Day?
All Saints' Day is a day for Filipinos to remember and honor their departed loved ones. Families visit cemeteries, clean and decorate graves, offer prayers, and often share meals as a way of commemorating the deceased.
9. Tell me more about the religious significance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. It is an important religious observance, and Catholics often attend Mass and participate in processions to honor Mary.
10. How do Filipinos celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31?
New Year's Eve in the Philippines is marked by various customs and traditions, including the Media Noche (midnight) feast, fireworks, the making of noise to drive away evil spirits, and the lighting of fireworks and firecrackers at the stroke of midnight.
11. Are there any specific customs or traditions associated with Ninoy Aquino Day?
On Ninoy Aquino Day, Filipinos may attend ceremonies, lectures, and activities that commemorate the life and contributions of Ninoy Aquino. It's a day for reflection on his sacrifice and the nation's journey to democracy.
12. What are the customary Chinese New Year traditions in the Philippines?
Chinese New Year traditions in the Philippines include dragon and lion dances, giving red envelopes (ang pao) for good luck, preparing traditional dishes, and displaying fruits and delicacies on family altars.
13. How do Filipinos typically spend Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve is celebrated with a festive midnight Mass known as Simbang Gabi, followed by a Noche Buena feast with family and friends. Filipinos exchange gifts and participate in various customs and traditions to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
14. Tell me more about the customs and practices observed on Black Saturday.
Black Saturday is a day of reflection and mourning, marking the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a solemn time when Filipinos may attend religious services and participate in acts of devotion.
15. When will the Islamic holidays, Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha, be announced for 2024?
The specific dates for Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha in 2024 will be announced later, following recommendations from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. These dates are determined based on the Islamic or lunar calendar.
16. Can you provide more information about the significance of Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha in the Philippines?
Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha are important Islamic holidays in the Philippines. Eid'l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a celebration of thanksgiving and charity. Eid'l Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, is a time for communal prayer and the offering of sacrifices.
17. How do Filipinos typically celebrate Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday is celebrated with Mass, joyful gatherings, and festive meals. Filipinos may participate in traditional activities such as "Salubong," where the Risen Christ is reunited with the Virgin Mary, and Easter egg hunts for children.
18. Tell me more about the historical significance of Araw Ng Kagitingan.
Araw Ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. It honors those who fought and endured the Bataan Death March and other challenges during the war.
19. Who are some prominent national heroes celebrated on National Heroes Day?
National Heroes Day celebrates various national heroes, including José Rizal, Andrés Bonifacio, and others who played significant roles in the country's history.
20. How is All Souls' Day observed in the Philippines?
All Souls' Day is a time for Filipinos to remember and pray for the souls of the departed. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, offer prayers, and pay their respects to the deceased.
21. Can you tell me more about the historical significance of Rizal Day?
Rizal Day is a commemoration of the life and works of Dr. José Rizal, a national hero. It reminds Filipinos of his writings, activism, and contributions to the country's struggle for independence.
22. When will the Islamic holidays, Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha, be announced for 2024?
The specific dates for Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha in 2024 will be announced later, following recommendations from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. These dates are determined based on the Islamic or lunar calendar.
