The Muslims and non-Muslims in the Philippines are gearing towards the conclusion of the Ramadan period and many people are inquiring: Will Eid al-Fitr be a public holiday in 2026?
The simple answer is no, it is because the Eid al- Fitr is a national holiday in the Philippines, although the specific holiday is verified by a special presidential holiday, Malacaquiasis.
Eid al-Fitr is a National Philippine Holiday
Eid al-Fitr, the festival of ending the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, is officially pegged as a common national holiday in the Philippines.
This was put in place with the introduction of the Republic Act No. 9177 that states that the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar is a national holiday where the observance of Eid al-Fitr takes place.
On this day:
- Offices in the government are closed.
- A majority of businesses put their businesses on hold.
- Labor laws allow workers to have usual holiday payments.
The holiday lets the Muslim Filipino communities and Muslims in the entire country rejoice on the breaking of the Ramadan through prayers, family events and charity.
Malacañang Declares 20 March 2026 a Regular Holiday in Observance of Eid’l Fitrhttps://t.co/oso5ZSm9YU
— Department of Justice (DOJ) (@dojphofficial) March 12, 2026
Expected Date for Eid al-Fitr 2026
In 2026 the calendar suggests that the holiday will be at approximately and around March 20, 2026, but there also will be a precise date with the sighting of the crescent moon that will mark the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
The year is also based on the lunar calendar, and hence the dates may change by a few days every year, and usually by a day based on the sight of the moon.
Malacañang announces the final date
The law dictates that Eid al-Fitr is an ordinary holiday, but the exact date of the holiday is announced independently by Malacañang Palace every year.
As per the proclamation of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in the year 2026 will be on the specific days of Eid and will be announced later by means of the signing of separate proclamations, according to the Proclamation No. 1006 (2025) in the article of which the general holidays of 2026 are written off.
The process works like this:
- The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos is the body that sets the probable date using the calculations of the lunar day.
- This is recommended to the President.
- The official proclamation of the accurate date of a holiday in the country is made by Malacañang.
Meaning of the holiday to the Filipinos
The Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr is a significant feature in the country, and the major holiday of Islam at least in the areas that have the majority of Muslims, which include:
- Mindanao
- Muslim Mindanao Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
The day is marked by:
- The morning prayers of Eid in the mosques or an open field.
- Huge dinner parties and celebrations.
- True generosity and charity to the poor (Zakat al-Fitr).
The holiday in recent years has also been an activity which is an aspect of culture to many non-Muslim Filipinos since it is a period of togetherness and celebration.
The Bottom Line
Eid al-Fitr 2026 will be a Philippine public holiday and this is a legal requirement. The actual official date is however established by Malacañang by a separate proclamation after the lunar calendar establishes the cessation of Ramadan.
The festival will currently be celebrated during March 20, 2026 although the actual day will depend on what the moon will see.
FAQs
1. Should Eid al-Fitr be a Philippine public holiday?
Yes. The Philippines has a regular national holiday called Eid al-Fitr enshrined in republic act No. 9177.
2. Is the Philippines an Islamic country and when will Eid al-Fitr be held in 2026?
It will happen approximately on March 20, 2026, although the exact date will be determined by the lunar calendar and sight of the moon.
3. Who announces the official date of Eid holiday?
A proclamation in the office of the president in Malacañang ascertains this date.
4. How come that the date varies year by year?
Eid al-Fitr is done on Islamic lunar calendar which is founded on the sighting of the moon.
5. Are employees paid also on holidays during Eid al-Fitr?
Yes. Since this is a regular holiday, the employees should be paid a holiday as per the labor laws in the Philippines.
