June To December 2019 Holidays In The Philippines

As we approach the end of May, there are holidays to look forward to. Some of these apply only to students, certain religions or general. From June to December 2019, these are the holidays you should mark on your calendar.

Whether you’re a child or an adult, this is something we all look forward to. Holidays. These are days students get a break from waking up early and heading to class. Adults can avoid seeing their pesky bosses and sleep all day. Irrespective of the time of the year, we all look forward to holidays. Without further ado, let’s hop into it.

June 2019 Holidays

June 5, Eid al-Fitr

This holiday is a festival for Muslims. Although observed by the whole populace. The Festival marks the end of Ramadan. The fasting lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one visual sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and is sacred to Muslims. This is because it was during this month that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Since the date of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon, there may be variations in the exact date that is celebrated around the world.

On Wednesday, May 29, GMA reported that President Duterte has declared June 5 as the official non-working holiday this year.

June 12, The Philippines Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan)

This is a national holiday for obvious reasons. It is the day the Philippines got her independence. Celebrated every year on June 12, it is a day of celebration for the Filipino people.

The Philippines gained its full independence from America on the 4th of July 1946. But it is celebrated on June 12 after Aguinaldo declared it as the initial date of independence.

June 19, José Rizal’s Birthday (Araw ng Kapanganakan ni José Rizal)

This is celebrated every June 19 as the birth anniversary of the Philippines National Hero. Dr Jose Rizal.

June 24, Manila Day

Unfortunately for those who don’t live in Manila, this holiday is only for Manila. On Manila Day, June 24, the city celebrates its foundation made in 1571.

July Holidays

July 15, Cordillera Day

This is a non-working city holiday only for places in the Cordilleran Region. It is celebrated on July 15.

August Holidays

August 12, Eid-ul Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)

This is the second Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide each year. This is considered more holy than Eid-el Fitr. This holiday honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God without question. If you’re not familiar with the Bible, the story sees God provide a lamb instead for Abraham to sacrifice.

So to commemorate this, the Muslims sacrifice an animal. It is thus divided into three parts. One is given to the poor and needy, the second is for the home. The third is given to relatives.

The dates vary from year to year. But it is to be celebrated on August 12 this 2019. Observed by the whole country as well regardless.

August 21, Ninoy Aquino Day (Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino)

As the name suggests, this holiday celebrates the life and death of former Senator Ninoy Aquino. The former senator was assassinated on August 21, 1983.

The non-working holiday will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 21.

August 26, National Heroes Day (Araw ng Mga Bayani)

This national holiday is celebrated on the last Monday in August. The last Monday of August this year is 26.

The holiday celebrates heroes of the Philippines. The likes of Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Gabriela Silang among others.

P.S. Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal were key figures in the fight for independence from Spain. To honour them, they also have specific national holidays in their honour.

November Holidays

November 1 and 2, All Saints’ & All Souls’ Day

All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1 every year. In Roman Catholicism, All Saints’ Day is the Holy Day of Obligation. This means that Catholics must go to Mass. The tradition of placing candles on the graves the evening before All Saints’ Eve is becoming more common. Especially within the Philippines.

All Souls’ Day is celebrated right after All Saints’ Day on November 2. The aim is to remember and pray for the souls of the departed. The Filipinos visit the graves of their loved ones, light candles and pray for them.

November 30, Bonifacio Day (Araw ng Kapanganakan ni Bonifacio)

A national hero of the Philippines who fought constantly for her independence. Bonifacio Day is held annually on the 30th of November. The national holiday celebrates the birth of Andres Bonifacio rather than his death.

This is because he was executed by the Filipino revolutionary government and not by colonial powers.

December Holidays

December 8, Immaculate Conception Day

Also known as Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is a holiday observed by many Catholic countries. This is held on December 8 annually.

For Roman Catholics, it is observed as a day of obligation.  With required church attendance. Not to be confused with the birth of Jesus. This holiday celebrates the birth of Mary. The mother of Jesus.

December 24 & 25, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (Araw ng Pasko)

Similar to All Souls’ Day, December 24 is the eve of Christmas and more observance than a holiday. This means a non-working day in addition and preparation for the upcoming Christmas Day.

A worldwide holiday celebrated by the billions around the world. Hands down without a doubt, the most popular and most celebrated holiday. This holiday gave us Santa aka Father Christmas, aka Saint Nicholas, aka you get the point.

This day should be for Christians only. Seeing as it is the celebration of the birth of Christ. But this isn’t the case. Atheists, pagans and Muslims all celebrate it.

And why not? Held every 25th of December every year, Christmas Day is a time for family, joy, reflection and a season of good cheer.

December 30, Rizal Day (Paggunita sa Kamatayan ni Dr Jose Rizal)

Another national holiday. This one celebrates the National Hero of the Philippines. Dr Jose Rizal. The holiday serves as a remembrance of the death anniversary of Rizal. Rizal is credited by the Filipinos as playing a key role in starting a revolution against the Spanish.

Rizal Day is celebrated on December 30 annually.

December 31, New Year’s Eve

This is a non-working holiday due to happen on the last day of the year. On December 31.

There you have it, June to December 2019 holidays. Some would argue that the best holidays happen during the latter part of the year and I agree. There is just so much to do in addition to the year coming to its end. So which holiday are you looking forward to?