Philippines Holiday Calendar 2023: A Guide To Celebrations And Festivals
As a travel enthusiast, I always make it a point to plan my trips according to the local events and festivals in the places I visit. This year, I am excited to explore the Philippines and immerse myself in their culture and traditions. To help me with my itinerary, I did some research on the Philippines holiday calendar for 2023, and I am sharing my findings with you.
Overview of the Philippines Holiday Calendar 2023
The Philippines has a diverse culture that is heavily influenced by their history and religion. Their holiday calendar is a mix of both secular and religious celebrations. In 2023, there are a total of 19 public holidays, 10 of which are regular holidays and 9 special non-working days. The regular holidays are fixed, while the special non-working days vary depending on the proclamation of the President.
Regular Holidays in 2023
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Maundy Thursday – April 6
- Good Friday – April 7
- Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9
- Labor Day – May 1
- Independence Day – June 12
- National Heroes Day – August 28
- All Saints Day – November 1
- Bonifacio Day – November 30
- Christmas Day – December 25
Special Non-Working Days in 2023
- Chinese New Year – January 23
- EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary – February 25
- Black Saturday – April 8
- Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21
- All Souls Day – November 2
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – December 8
- Rizal Day – December 30
- New Year’s Eve – December 31
World Events and Festivals in the Philippines in 2023
The Philippines is known for their colorful and lively festivals that showcase their rich culture and traditions. Here are some of the world events and festivals happening in 2023:
Sinulog Festival
The Sinulog Festival is one of the grandest and most popular festivals in the Philippines. It is held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honor the Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus. The festival features street dancing, processions, and a fluvial parade.
Dinagyang Festival
The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival held in Iloilo City every fourth Sunday of January. It is also in honor of the Sto. Niño, and features street dancing, music, and food.
Ati-Atihan Festival
The Ati-Atihan Festival is another Sto. Niño festival held in Aklan every third Sunday of January. It is known for its tribal dance parade and colorful costumes.
Pahiyas Festival
The Pahiyas Festival is a harvest festival held in Lucban, Quezon every May 15. It is a celebration of the bountiful harvest and features houses adorned with colorful kiping or rice wafers and fruits and vegetables.
Mudpack Festival
The Mudpack Festival is a unique festival held in Murcia, Negros Occidental every June 24. It is a celebration of the town’s geothermal energy and features participants covered in mud dancing and parading in the streets.
Question & Answer
Q: Are all the holidays in the Philippines observed nationwide?
A: Yes, all the holidays in the Philippines are observed nationwide, except for the Muslim holidays which are only observed in specific regions with significant Muslim populations.
Q: Can I expect businesses and establishments to be closed on holidays?
A: Yes, most businesses and establishments are closed on holidays, especially during the Holy Week and Christmas season.
Q: Are the festivals and events in the Philippines open to tourists?
A: Yes, the festivals and events in the Philippines are open to tourists. In fact, they are a great way to experience the Filipino culture and traditions.
In conclusion, the Philippines holiday calendar for 2023 is packed with celebrations and festivals that showcase the country’s diverse culture and traditions. As a traveler, it is always a good idea to plan your trip around these events to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. I hope this guide has been helpful, and I look forward to experiencing these festivals firsthand.