Holiday detail
Araw ng Kagitingan
Also known as Araw ng Kagitingan.
Araw ng Kagitingan honors Filipino and Allied courage during World War II, especially the defense of Bataan.
Quick facts
Filipino name
Araw ng Kagitingan
Also known as Araw ng Kagitingan in English.
Araw ng Kagitingan is Filipino for 'Day of Valor' (araw = day, kagitingan = valor). It commemorates the fall of Bataan during WWII, and the Filipino name is what everyone uses — even when speaking in English.
Meaning and traditions
Araw ng Kagitingan — Day of Valor — remembers our Filipino and Allied soldiers from World War II, especially the defenders of Bataan and the survivors of the Death March that followed. It's a regular holiday with real historical weight.
Expect remembrance ceremonies, history features, and tributes to the few veterans we have left. For most of us, it's also a date to check against the calendar — when April 9 lands near a weekend, it quietly turns into one of the better mini-breaks of the year.
Long-weekend note
This holiday creates a 4-day weekend from April 9-12, 2026.
File leave on Apr 10 to make it a 4-day break.
Frequently asked questions
When is Araw ng Kagitingan in 2026?
Araw ng Kagitingan 2026 falls on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
What does Araw ng Kagitingan mean?
Araw ng Kagitingan — Day of Valor — remembers our Filipino and Allied soldiers from World War II, especially the defenders of Bataan and the survivors of the Death March that followed. It's a regular holiday with real historical weight. Also called Araw ng Kagitingan.
What does Araw ng Kagitingan mean in English?
Araw ng Kagitingan is Filipino for 'Day of Valor' (araw = day, kagitingan = valor). It commemorates the fall of Bataan during WWII, and the Filipino name is what everyone uses — even when speaking in English.
Is Araw ng Kagitingan a regular or special holiday in the Philippines?
It's a regular holiday — a non-working day with full pay protections under the Labor Code.
Does Araw ng Kagitingan 2026 make a long weekend?
Yes. Araw ng Kagitingan 2026 forms a 4-day weekend from April 9-12, 2026. File leave on Apr 10 to stretch it to 4 days.
What are common traditions for Araw ng Kagitingan in the Philippines?
Common observances: veterans' tributes, history lessons, remembrance ceremonies.