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Philippines National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day

Join us in honoring and celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines on National Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day.

Thursday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 29

OBSERVED INPhilippines

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYIndigenous

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

Philippines National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day Timeline

Indigenous Settlement

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.

Discovery by the Spanish

The arrival of Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marked a significant change and challenges for the indigenous communities.

American Colonization

The USA took possession of the Philippines from Spain in 1898, further impacting indigenous rights and cultures.

Constitutional Recognition

The 1987 Filipino constitution recognized and promoted the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.

Beginning of the Celebration

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Philippines National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day

Attend a cultural festival

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.

COOK

Cook and enjoy indigenous cuisine

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.

VISIT

Visit an indigenous village

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.

SUPPORT

Support indigenous artists

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.

LEARN

Learn about indigenous history

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Philippines National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day is Important

It promotes unity and solidarity

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.

It celebrates and honors indigenous cultures

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.

It raises awareness about indigenous issues

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.

Related holidays

Philippines National Indigenous Peoples Month

Let's honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines during National Indigenous Peoples Month!

Filipino Values Month

Join us in honoring the rich culture of the Philippines during Filipino Values Month - a time to celebrate unity, resilience, and community.

Philippines Independence Day

Join in the festivities and honor the rich history and culture of the Philippines on Independence Day! Parades, traditional dances, and delicious food await.