Independence Day is an annual national holiday in the Philippines. It commemorates the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain. The public holiday celebrates Philippine history, freedom, and culture. They hang up the flag in most public places and take a day off.

On Independence Day, the sacrifices of the national heroes are remembered, the country’s sovereignty is appreciated, instilling nationalism in the citizens, as well as celebrating the culture and tradition of its people.

In the Philippines, there are only two kinds of holidays: regular holidays, and special non-working holidays.

Regular holidays are those that usually have a fixed date, such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.

Special Holidays, on the other hand, are more flexible. Apart from being enacted by Congress, they can also be declared by the President of the Philippines.

Get a quick overview of the political history of the Philippines from the time the Spaniards colonised the country in 1521 to its current democratic government.