2026 Philippines Official National Holidays
Plan your 2026 Cebu vacation with the official Philippine holidays. Regular holidays, special days, and long weekends.
Planning your 2026 trips to Cebu? Malacañang has officially released the list of regular holidays and special non-working days for 2026. Based on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Proclamation No. 1006, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on September 3, 2025, the following holidays shall be observed nationwide.
Regular Holidays
These are non-working days throughout the Philippines with corresponding holiday pay regulations as mandated by the Department of Labor and Employment.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Maundy Thursday | April 2 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Araw ng Kagitingan | April 9 | Thursday |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Friday |
| Independence Day | June 12 | Friday |
| National Heroes Day | August 31 | Monday |
| Bonifacio Day | November 30 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
| Rizal Day | December 30 | Wednesday |
Special (Non-Working) Days
Special non-working days throughout the Philippines with special pay rules as governed by labor regulations.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Ninoy Aquino Day | August 21 | Friday |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Sunday |
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary | December 8 | Tuesday |
| Last Day of the Year | December 31 | Thursday |
Additional Special (Non-Working) Days
These additional special non-working days provide extended breaks for Filipinos throughout the year.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese New Year | February 17 | Tuesday |
| Black Saturday | April 4 | Saturday |
| All Souls' Day | November 2 | Monday |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday |
Holiday Planning Tips for Cebu Visitors
Best Long Weekends in 2026
- Holy Week: April 2-5 (4 days) — Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday
- Labor Day Weekend: May 1-3 (3 days) — Falls on a Friday
- Independence Day Weekend: June 12-14 (3 days) — Falls on a Friday
- National Heroes Day: August 29-31 (3 days) — Falls on a Monday
- Bonifacio Day: November 28-30 (3 days) — Falls on a Monday
- Christmas to New Year: December 24-31 (8 days) — Perfect for extended vacation
Travel Tips
- Book Early: Accommodations and flights fill up quickly during long weekends
- Expect Price Increases: Hotel rates typically rise during holiday periods
- Plan for Crowds: Popular tourist spots get busy during holidays
- Check Operating Hours: Some businesses may have limited hours or closures
Cebu-Specific Celebrations in 2026
In addition to national holidays, Cebu has its own special celebrations:
Sinulog Festival
Date: Third Sunday of January (January 18, 2026)
Cebu's grandest festival honoring the Santo Niño. Expect massive crowds, street closures, and fully booked hotels. Plan at least a week in advance.
Cebu City Charter Day
Date: February 24, 2026
Citywide celebrations marking Cebu City's charter anniversary.
Kadaugan sa Mactan
Date: April 27, 2026
Historical reenactments of the Battle of Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City.
Cebu Provincial Charter Day
Date: August 6, 2026
Provincial-wide holiday with cultural activities and government programs.
For a complete list of festivals across all Cebu municipalities, visit our Cebu Festivals Calendar.
References
- Proclamation No. 1006, s. 2025 - Presidential Communications Office
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Guidelines on Holiday Pay
Note: This list is based on Proclamation No. 1006 signed September 3, 2025. Islamic holidays (Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha) will be announced separately based on the lunar calendar. Last updated: December 20, 2025.
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regular holidays in the Philippines for 2026?
The 2026 regular holidays include New Year's Day (Jan 1), Maundy Thursday (Apr 2), Good Friday (Apr 3), Araw ng Kagitingan (Apr 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (Jun 12), National Heroes Day (Aug 31), Bonifacio Day (Nov 30), Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Rizal Day (Dec 30).
When is Sinulog Festival 2026?
Sinulog Festival 2026 will be celebrated on January 18, 2026 (third Sunday of January) in Cebu City.
What are the best long weekends for travel in 2026?
The best long weekends in 2026 are Holy Week (April 2-5, 4 days), Labor Day (May 1-3), Independence Day (June 12-14), National Heroes Day (August 29-31), and the Christmas to New Year period (December 24-31, 8 days).
When was the 2026 holiday list officially released?
The 2026 holiday list was officially released through Proclamation No. 1006, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on September 3, 2025.
