Cebu City Charter Day is an annual celebration held in the Philippines, specifically in the province of Cebu. The holiday is commemorated every 24th of February, marking the day when Cebu City gained its independence from the provincial government. Initially, Cebu was incorporated as a city on this day in 1937 and hence began festivities every year recognizing this historic event. The holiday aims to celebrate the cityhood of Cebu - the Philippines' oldest city.
Charter Day involves a series of events and activities that highlight the cultural heritage, history, and achievements of Cebu City. This celebration attracts tourists from different parts of the world to experience the alive and vibrant spirit of the city and its people. The day is filled with various citywide activities such as parades, street dancing, city tours, concerts, fireworks, and feasts that display the historical and cultural wealth of the city.
Though Cebu City Charter Day is primarily celebrated in the city itself, its significance resonates with the whole Cebuano community, frequently marking the occasion with holidays and special non-working days. This day serves as a reminder of the time when Cebuanos took the reins of their destiny, making their city a dynamic hub of commerce, education, trade, and tourism in the Visayan region and the rest of the country.