Tagalog Months of the Year: Learn the 12 Buwan ng Taon
Introduction
Learning the Tagalog names for months of the year is a great way to deepen your understanding of Filipino culture. In the Philippines, where Tagalog is widely spoken, knowing the months in the local language allows for better communication and connection with the people. Whether you're planning a trip, studying the language, or simply curious about Filipino traditions, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Tagalog months and their significance.
Tagalog Months
Here is a detailed list of the 12 months with their English and Tagalog names:
| English | Tagalog | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| January | Enero | eh-neh-roh |
| February | Pebrero | peb-reh-roh |
| March | Marso | mar-soh |
| April | Abril | ab-ril |
| May | Mayo | mah-yoh |
| June | Hunyo | hoon-yo |
| July | Hulyo | hool-yo |
| August | Agosto | ah-gos-toh |
| September | Setyembre | set-yem-breh |
| October | Oktubre | ok-tooh-breh |
| November | Nobyembre | nob-yem-breh |
| December | Disyembre | dees-yem-breh |
Holidays by Month
The Philippines observes numerous holidays throughout the year, many of which are rooted in Christian traditions, reflecting the country's Spanish colonial past. Let's explore some of the most significant holidays celebrated in each month:
January
- New Year's Day (Araw ng Bagong Taon): January 1st, a regular holiday.
- Chinese New Year (Bagong Taon ng mga Tsino): February 9 or 10 (movable), a special non-working holiday.
February
- Paraw Regatta: Third Sunday, featuring racing events between local outriggers in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.
- Taytay Hamaka Festival: February 10 to 16, a seven-day event showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship and various talents of the people of Taytay.
March
- Maundy Thursday (Huwebes Santo): Last Thursday in March, a regular holiday.
- Good Friday (Biyernes Santo): Last Friday in March, a regular holiday.
- Black Saturday: The Saturday after Good Friday, a special non-working holiday.
April
- Araw ng Kagitingan (Constitution Day): April 9th, a regular holiday.
- Eid al-Fitr (Eid-al Fitr or Araw ng Ramadan): End of Ramadan (movable date between March and April), a regular holiday.
May
- Labor Day (Araw ng Paggawa): May 1st, a regular holiday.
June
- Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan): June 12th, a regular holiday.
- Flowers and Balloons - Panagbenga Festival: While technically in February, the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City, a month-long celebration honoring flowers, continues to be a significant tourist attraction in June.
July
- Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha or Araw ng Kurban): End of Hajj pilgrimage (movable date between June and July), a regular holiday.
August
- Ninoy Aquino Day: August 23rd (or the nearest Monday), a special non-working holiday.
- National Heroes' Day (Araw ng mga Bayani): Last Monday of August, a regular holiday.
- Kadayawan sa Davao: Every third week of August, celebrating bountiful harvests and cultural harmony in Davao City.
September
- Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha or Araw ng Kurban): End of Hajj pilgrimage (movable date between August and September), a regular holiday.
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (Kapistahan ng Kalinís-linisang Paglilihî ng Mahál na Birheng María): December 8th, but sometimes celebrated in September, a special non-working holiday.
October
- Lanzones Festival: Third week of October, celebrating lanzones in Camiguin Island.
November
- All Saints' Day (Undás; Todos los Santos; Araw ng mga Santo): November 1st, a special non-working holiday.
- All Souls' Day (Araw ng mga Kaluluwa): November 2nd, a special non-working holiday.
- Bonifacio Day (Araw ng Kapanganakan ni Andrés Bonifacio): November 30th, a regular holiday.
December
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (Kapistahan ng Kalinís-linisang Paglilihî ng Mahál na Birheng María): December 8th, a special non-working holiday.
- Christmas Eve (Bisperas ng Pasko): December 24th, a special non-working holiday.
- Christmas Day (Araw ng Pasko): December 25th, a regular holiday.
- Rizal Day (Araw ni Dr. Jose Rizal): December 30th, a regular holiday.
Months of the Year in Tagalog
Example Sentences
- "Ang Enero ay aking paborit na buwan." (January is my favorite month.)
- "Ang Panagbenga Festival ay isang magandang pagdiriwang." (The Panagbenga Festival is a wonderful celebration.)
- "Ang Sinulog Festival ay isang magandang pagdiriwang sa Cebu." (The Sinulog Festival is a wonderful celebration in Cebu.)
- "Tumayo ang Ati-Atihan Festival." (The Ati-Atihan Festival is held.)
- "Ang Kadayawan sa Davao ay isang magandang pagdiriwang sa Davao." (The Kadayawan sa Davao is a wonderful celebration in Davao.)
Additional Vocabulary
- Taon - Year
- Buwan - Month
- Araw - Day
- Linggo - Week
- Kalendaryo - Calendar
- Panahon - Season
Conclusion
Learning the Tagalog names for months, holidays, and festivals provides a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you demonstrate respect for the language and its speakers while expanding your knowledge of Filipino traditions. So, whether you're planning a trip, connecting with Filipino friends and family, or simply eager to learn something new, embrace the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Tagalog language and the vibrant culture it represents.