Bonifacio Day is a public holiday annually on 30th November in Philippines. This day celebrates and honors the national hero of the Philippines called Andrés Bonifacio.
This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Andrés Bonifacio. Bonifacio was one of the founders of a secret society of revolutionaries commonly known as the Katipunan. Acknowledged as the 'Father of the Philippine Revolution,' he initiated the Philippine revolution against the Spanish Empire.
Bonifacio is remembered on his birthday, rather than the date of his death (as in the case of the main national hero, José Rizal) as he was executed by the Filipino revolutionary government and not by the Spanish.
| Event | Bonifacio Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 30, 2022 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Significance | The day celebrates and honors the national hero of the Philippines called Andrés Bonifacio |
| Observed by | Philippines |
Bonifacio Day History:
Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro was born on November 30, 1863, in Manila in the Philippines. This Philippine hero actually came from a middle-class family. His mother Catalina de Castro was a half-Spanish mestiza, which technically separates Bonifacio already from the Indios. Both his parents had stable jobs: his mother worked as a supervisor in a cigarette factory and his father worked as a staff member in the office of the gobernadorcillo. Bonifacio had five younger siblings also. He spent his basic education years in Cebu, and had a private tutor to teach him arithmetic and Spanish. Unfortunately, however, he and his siblings rose to the lower middle class after their parents died. Bonifacio was only 14 years old when they became orphans.
When Bonifacio's parents died, he quit his studies to support his siblings at a young age. He worked for a British trading company as a broker of tar, rattan, and other goods, later moving to a German trading company as a warehouse keeper. Since Bonifacio did not finish his formal education, he educated himself by reading books. Because of that, he was often called uneducated. But the truth is, he was actually a bright boy. He reached what is now second-year high school and never stopped learning. He loved reading a lot! Not surprisingly, his readings ignited Bonifacio's rebellious spirit, ultimately leading to his founding of the Katipunan.
In 1892, Bonifacio joined a secret organization called 'La Liga Filipina,' founded by José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist. This organization became a threat to Spanish authorities, and Rizal was arrested and deported. After Rizal's deportation, Bonifacio and other members reorganized La Liga Filipina. Not long after, they founded a new secret organization, the Katipunan. Bonifacio became the Supreme President of Katipunan in 1895. By 1896, under his leadership, its membership increased to around 30,000.
In the same year, the Katipunan was revealed. After this discovery, Spanish authorities made several arrests to identify other members. Bonifacio and his fellows decided to start a nationwide revolt, beginning with a mass tearing of community tax certificates to symbolize defying Spanish authorities. After several failed attempts, rebels led by Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite succeeded in driving the Spanish out. Later, conflict arose within Katipunan factions, between the Magdalo (Aguinaldo's) and Magdiwang (Bonifacio's). The Tejeros Convention was held to unite the two factions and elect officers for the revolutionary government. Bonifacio lost the presidency and was appointed to a lower position.
He rejected this government and formed a rival government against Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo found out about this and ordered the arrest of Bonifacio. Bonifacio was then charged with sedition and treason and sentenced to death in 1897. Andres and his brother Procopio were taken to the mountains of Marogondon to be executed. The execution party was led by Lazaro Macapagal, the ancestor of Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who shared multiple accounts of the execution with contemporaries. However, it's not clear how Andrés was executed. Some said, Procopio was shot first, Andrés tried to run away, and Macapagal had to chase and gun him down.
Bonifacio Day Significance:
Andrés Bonifacio is a true source of inspiration. Besides leading the Philippines to independence, he also lived an exceptional life that remains important even today. Hence this day also celebrates the legacy and remembers all of the struggles of his life as an inspiration. Commemorating his life and achievements, Bonifacio Day on November 30 marks not only the birthday of one of the Philippines national heroes, but also the chance for self-reflection.
Bonifacio faced many hardships in his youth. He actually had to drop out of school at the age of 14 to support his siblings, as both his parents died within a year. Selling canes and paper fans in the street, he managed to build a successful business. His life shows us that success does not depend on one's social status or circumstances. Not being able to finish his formal education made Bonifacio even more determined to read books and teach himself about the world.
It is widely known that Bonifacio was one of the founders of the Katipinan movement, leading eventually to independence from Spanish rule. However, it is a lesser known fact that he actually started drafting the declaration of independence well before the revolution had begun – sitting in a cave. His dedication is a constant reminder that anything is possible – as long as you put your mind to it and have the right motivation.
Bonifacio is often portrayed as a hard worker and revolutionary. Although this is true, he was much more than that. Although having struggled through many hardships in his youth and experiencing betrayal during his early activism, he strongly believed in the values of comradeship. It shows us that no matter how terrible circumstances are, it's important to work together. Bonifacio probably would be the first to admit that the revolution was the result of teamwork.
Freedom is precious and achieved through sacrifice, this is what the story of Bonifscio tells us too. Bonifacio was one of the heroes who fought for his country's liberation from colonization. It's worth commemorating and honoring the actions of a hero and remembering his sacrifice and struggle for freedom. The day is a reminder to spend some time reading, keep educating ourselves, and broaden our mental horizons. The only way we can progress is to consistently keep learning new things and we start it by learning even more about this Filipino hero.
Bonifacio Day Celebrations:
This is a national holiday meaning anyone who does work on this day is still entitled to pay. Schools and most businesses will closed for the day, but shops remain open. November 30th was first declared as Bonifacio Day through Philippine Legislature Act No. 2946. It was signed by then-Governor General Francis Burton Harrison in 1921.
The best way to celebrate this day is by paying tribute to this legendary hero! So visit the Bonifacio Monument on Bonifacio Day! Make or buy a flower arrangement and lay these tributes at the monument as a sign of honor and respect for one of the country's national heroes.
This is also the opportunity for you to learn more about the fascinating life of Bonifacio! We have already told you much but there is still many interesting chapters associated with this legend! There are several books about Bonifacio. Spend some time reading about your revolutionary hero. You may also want to read one of his favorite books.
So till now you probably have known that Bonifacio loved reading! And it is also a fact that reading can expand your horizon. Bonifacio was self-educated by reading books. That's why donating books is a great idea to celebrate Bonifacio Day. As who knows this might actually really help someone in finding inspiration and knowledge for their life.
Most Searched FAQs on Bonifacio Day:
1. When is Bonifacio Day celebrated?
Bonifacio Day is annually celebrated on 30th November in Philippines.
2. What is Andrés Bonifacio known for?
Andrés Bonifacio (1863-1897) was the founder of the Katipunan, a militant nationalist secret society that led the rebellion against Spain. Bonifacio declared Philippine independence in 1896 in the wake of the execution of his hero and mentor José Rizal.
3. Who was considered the brain behind the Katipunan?
Emilio Jacinto was known as the soul and brain of the Katipunan.