August 18 Holiday in Philippines for Eid Al Fitr 2012

When is Eid Al Fitr 2012? Since Ramadan starts on July 20, Eid Al Fitr will fall on August 18, 2012. According to when-is.com, Eid al-Fitr in 2012 is on Sunday, the 19th of August. Note that in the Muslim calander, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the sunset of Saturday, the 18th of August.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

image credit: graphics99.com

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Update: you can check our latest post fro Eid Al Fitr as our reader shared his knowledge from Makkah Calendar about the exact celebration of Eid Al Fitr, HERE!


UPDATE: August 14, 2012
August 20, 2012, has been declared by Malacañang as a regular non-working holiday in the Philippines in observance of Eid’l Fitrwhich marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“The President today signed Proc. No. 455 declaring Monday, August 20, 2012 as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced via Twitter on Monday, August 13.

Here’s the full text of the corresponding proclamation:

Proclamation No. 455, s. 2012
MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
PROCLAMATION NO. 455
DECLARING MONDAY, 20 AUGUST 2012, AS A REGULAR HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY IN OBSERVANCE OF EID’L FITR (FEAST OF RAMADHAN)
WHEREAS, Republic Act No 9177 declared Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan) as a regular holiday throughout the country;
WHEREAS, Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim World for three (3) days after the end of the month of fasting;
WHEREAS, to promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr; and
WHEREAS, in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Monday, 20 August 2012, as a regular holiday throughout the country.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Monday. 20 August 2012, as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
Done in the City of Manila, this 13th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary