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Get ready to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Philippines on October 29 with National Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day! This special holiday is dedicated to honoring and giving thanks for the indigenous people who have inhabited the Philippines for thousands of years. It was first declared as a national holiday in 2009 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and has been celebrated every year since then. From colorful parades to traditional dances and feasts, this day is a vibrant celebration of the diverse ethnic groups that make up the country's indigenous population. So join in on the festivities and learn more about the fascinating history of these communities on National Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Indigenous Settlement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Indigenous people are believed to have lived in the Philippine archipelago since at least 20,000–30,000 years ago with ethnic groups spread across the islands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery by the Spanish</div><div class='timeline-text'>The arrival of Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marked a significant change and challenges for the indigenous communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Colonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>The USA took possession of the Philippines from Spain in 1898, further impacting indigenous rights and cultures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Constitutional Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1987 Filipino constitution recognized and promoted the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Beginning of the Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared October 29 as Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines, a day to recognize and celebrate the country's indigenous cultures.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate the rich culture and traditions of indigenous peoples by attending a cultural festival in your area. This is a great way to learn more about their customs and heritage while also supporting local communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook and enjoy indigenous cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family and cook up some traditional dishes from indigenous communities in the Philippines. This is a delicious way to celebrate their unique food culture and show appreciation for their culinary traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an indigenous village</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day or weekend immersing yourself in the daily life of an indigenous community by visiting one of their villages. You'll have the opportunity to learn about their customs, try out traditional activities, and support their livelihoods through purchasing handmade goods.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support indigenous artists</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for indigenous artists by purchasing their handicrafts, paintings, and other artworks. This is a great way to celebrate their talents and contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about indigenous history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself about the history of indigenous peoples in the Philippines. This will deepen your understanding and appreciation for their contributions to the country's cultural diversity and development.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates and honors indigenous cultures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Philippines National Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day is a day to celebrate and recognize the rich cultural heritage of the country's indigenous communities. It is a time to honor their traditions, customs, and contributions to society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about indigenous issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This holiday also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the challenges faced by indigenous communities, such as discrimination, displacement, and loss of land and resources. It brings attention to these important issues and encourages people to take action for the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Philippines National Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day is a time for all Filipinos to come together and celebrate the diversity of their country. It encourages unity and solidarity among different ethnic groups, promoting understanding, respect, and harmony.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are over 110 Indigenous Peoples Groups in the Philippines</h3><p class='facts-content'>The country is home to a multitude of diverse indigenous groups, each with its unique languages, traditions, and ways of life. Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day recognizes each of these groups and their significant contributions to Filipino culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Indigenous Peoples' Contributions to Sustainability</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many indigenous peoples practices in managing resources offer valuable lessons in sustainable living, as they have preserved their lands and culture through sustainable methods for centuries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional Attires Display Rich Artistry</h3><p class='facts-content'>Indigenous groups in the Philippines are known for their distinct traditional attires, each displaying a rich array of designs, materials, and artistry that reflect their identity and history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Day of Intercultural Dialogue</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day promotes intercultural dialogue and understanding, educating the general population about the rich culture and history of the indigenous communities, paving the way for an inclusive and respectful society.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Embodying Resilience and Resistance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Indigenous people have demonstrated resilience and resistance amid colonisation and modern pressures. Their survival and continued practice of their cultural traditions attest to their strength and resilience, which is recognized and honored on this day.</p></div></div>
Philippines National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on October 29 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Tuesday.
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Oct 29
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2024
Oct 29
Tuesday
2025
Oct 29
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2026
Oct 29
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2027
Oct 29
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