Planning your 2026 calendar already? March is one of the busiest months of the year in the Philippines, with at least one nationwide public holiday and several special non-working days recognized across various cities and provinces.
Whether you’re scheduling work, travel, or cultural celebrations, here’s the complete list of March 2026 holidays in the Philippines, including local special non-working days for visitors to specific regions.
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March 20 – Eid al‑Fitr (Tentative Date)
Eid al-Fitr is the only nationwide holiday in March 2026. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims.
If you are asking what holidays in March 2026 are observed nationwide, Eid al-Fitr is the main one to remember.
Note: Because Eid’s date depends on moon sightings, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos may fine-tune the official date, so watch for updates closer to March.
Also Read: BARMM Officials Skip Hearings on ₱6.4B Fund Misuse, Cite Ramadan as Reason
LIST of Special Non-Working Holidays:
Aside from the national observance, several local government units will celebrate important milestones and festivals. These holidays in March are only observed in specific locations.
March 6
1. Araw ng Gutalac – Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte
Under Proclamation No. 1170, Gutalac will observe its 4th Araw ng Gutalac.
2. Ayyoweng Di Lambak Ed Tadian Festival – Tadian, Mountain Province
Proclamation No. 1171 declares the Ayyoweng Di Lambak Ed Tadian Festival as a special non-working day.
March 10
1. Cityhood Anniversary in Tanauan City, Batangas
Proclamation No. 1164 recognizes the 25th Cityhood Anniversary of Tanauan.
2. Founding Anniversary in Norala, South Cotabato
Under Proclamation No. 1165, the municipality will commemorate its founding anniversary.
March 13
Begnas di Bauko Festival in Bauko, Mountain Province
Proclamation No. 918 declares the Begnas di Bauko Festival a special non-working holiday.
March 16
Ansakket Festival in Aguilar, Pangasinan
Lastly, on March 16, residents from Aguilar, Pangasinan will enjoy a special non-working day to celebrate the Ansakket Festival, as stated in Proclamation No. 1168 which was signed on February 12.
March 17
Founding Anniversary in Tayug, Pangasinan
Declared under Proclamation No. 1176, Tayug will celebrate its founding anniversary.
March 18
125th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Masbat
Under Proclamation No. 1167, the province will mark its 125th Founding Anniversary.
March 19
Pasayaw Festival – Canloan, Negros Oriental
Under Proclamation No. 1178, Canloan will observe the Pasayaw Festival.
March 24
Tabaco City Charter and Cityhood Anniversary – Tabaco, Albay
Proclamation No. 1179 declares the day as a holiday for the Charter Day and the 25th Cityhood Anniversary of Tabaco.
Why These Holidays Matter
Learning about the holidays in March is more than just knowing which days are no-work, no-school days. Each holiday has its own story that helps us understand the country’s culture, history, and community.
Eid al‑Fitr is a special day for our Muslim brothers and sisters. It celebrates faith, togetherness, and the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan.
Cityhood and Founding Anniversaries remember the important moments when towns and cities were created and grew. These days honor the changes and progress in local communities.
Festivals like Begnas or Pasayaw show off unique traditions and rituals from different groups in the country. If you are a traveler, these holidays are a great way to see real Filipino culture. You might taste local foods, watch a parade, or join a special ceremony, things most tourists don’t get to do.
Plans for March Holidays
Here’s how to enjoy the holidays in March 2026:
- Mark March 20 (tentative) for Eid al-Fitr. This is a national holiday and a good time for travel, rest, or family time.
- Check the local holiday schedule if you are visiting a province.
- Some holidays only happen in certain towns or cities, and they give you a chance to see something special.
- Local holidays apply only to the places where they occur, so plan your trips and activities accordingly..
- On national holidays, most offices, schools, and many businesses are closed. For local holidays, only the affected places take a break.
The holidays in the Philippines offer a meaningful mix of religious observance and lively community celebrations. Whether you are working, traveling, or just planning ahead, knowing about these holidays helps you schedule better and enjoy the rich culture of the Philippines.
Don’t forget to put Eid al‑Fitr on your calendar. If you join a local celebration, you might find a new favorite tradition and make memories you’ll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. For regular holidays like Eid al-Fitr, employees are entitled to holiday pay based on Philippine labor laws. If they work on that day, they receive additional compensation. For special non-working holidays, the “no work, no pay” rule generally applies unless there is a company policy granting pay.
On regular national holidays, most banks are closed, while shopping malls may operate on shortened hours. During local special non-working holidays, establishments outside the affected area usually operate normally, while businesses within the declared location may adjust their schedules.
Local special non-working holidays are declared through official proclamations signed by the President. These are typically issued upon request of local government units to recognize festivals, anniversaries, or important historical events.
Sources:
(2) Ayyoweng Di Lambak Ed Tadian Festival
(3) Cityhood Anniversary in Tanauan City, Batangas
(4) Founding Anniversary in Norala, South Cotabato
(5) Begnas di Bauko Festival in Bauko, Mountain Province
(6) Ansakket Festival in Aguilar, Pangasinan
(7) Founding Anniversary in Tayug, Pangasinan
(8) 125th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Masbate
(9) Pasayaw Festival – Canloan, Negros Oriental
(10) Tabaco City Charter and Cityhood Anniversary
(11) Palace declares special non-working holidays in 11 areas for February and March 2026
(12) President Marcos declares six local holidays
Keep Reading: Is February 25, 2026 a Holiday in the Philippines? Official Advisory
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