Manila Day in 2024

When is Manila Day?

Manila Day is a regional holiday in Manila, the capital of the Philippines on June 24th each year.

This holiday commemorates the founding of the city on this day in 1571.

History of Manila Day

A settlement called Maynilà existed from at least the 13th century. The name comes from the Sanskrit word for indigo, as the plants needed for this dye were native to the surrounding area.

The Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi founded a city in the name of Spain on June 24th 1571. That he kept the local name, Manila, is quite surprising as June 24th is St. John's Day, so the smart money would have been on calling this new settlement, San Juan.

With its sheltered harbour, Manila flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries as it was a key port for the Spanish Empire in the growing trade routes between the Philippines and Mexico.

Though it wasn't all plain sailing; the city was invaded by the Chinese in 1574 and raided by the Dutch in the mid-17th century. In 1762, during the Seven Years’ War, the city was captured and briefly held by the British.

On June 24th 1976, then-President Ferdinand Marcos established Manila as the Philippine capital and seat of the national government. 

Today the City of Manila is the most densely populated city in the world.