Filipinos to enjoy two long weekends in November

The public can look forward to two long weekends in November. Through Proclamation No. 1669, Malacañang has declared November 1 and 2 (Sunday and Monday) as special non-working holidays in observance of the All Saints Day and All Soul's Day, respectively. [See: Malacañang issues list of 2009 holidays] The second long weekend will be on November 27 and 28, which will fall on a Friday and a Saturday. The declaration was in connection with the Filipino Muslims' celebration of Eid al-Adha or Feast of Sacrifice. [See: Arroyo declares Nov. 27 and 28 as holidays] Eid al-Adha, known as the “Greater Eid, is the second major Islamic festival, which marks the end of the Haj (pilgrimage) for the millions of Muslims who make the trip to Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia each year. The other festival, Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha, is in commemoration of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah (God).It is celebrated by an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims all over the world, including the 10 million Muslim Filipinos in the country. The declaration of these dates as national non-working holiday will allow more Filipino Muslims to go to Makkah in Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage. November 30, the following Monday, was also declared as special non-working holiday in observance of Bonifacio Day. Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV