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Get ready to honor the life and legacy of one of the Philippines' greatest heroes on Rizal Day, celebrated every December 30. This day commemorates the death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, a prominent figure in Philippine history who sparked a revolution against Spanish colonial rule through his writings and activism. Despite being executed at a young age, Rizal's teachings and bravery continue to inspire generations and shape the nation's identity. On this day, Filipinos come together to pay tribute to his contributions and reflect on their own sense of patriotism. It's a day filled with pride, gratitude, and remembrance for all that Rizal fought for.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1896</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Execution of Jose Rizal</div><div class='timeline-text'>Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, by a Spanish firing squad at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) in Manila, sparking an upheaval in the Filipino spirit.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first commemoration of Jose Rizal's death was observed unofficially, two years after his execution, on December 30, 1898.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1901</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Rizal Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States of America's Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 137 officially declaring December 30 "Rizal Day". This act also renamed the district of Bagumbayan in Manila to Luneta and Bagumbayan Field to Luneta Park.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1912</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rizal Monument Unveiling</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rizal Monument, a tribute to Jose Rizal, was unveiled at Luneta Park on December 30, 1912, during the 16th Rizal Day commemoration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rizal Day Bombings</div><div class='timeline-text'>On Rizal Day 2000, a series of bombings occurred in different parts of Metro Manila, marking the holiday in a way that led to increased security measures during subsequent celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bone-scan Examination</div><div class='timeline-text'>A group of Filipino and Australian forensic pathologists studied the remains of Rizal to test some historical controversies about his execution. The results were announced on Rizal Day 2021.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit Rizal's monuments and museums</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On Rizal Day, take a trip to one of the many monuments and museums dedicated to the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal. Learn about his life, works, and influence on the country's history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read Rizal's writings</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read Rizal's literary works such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These novels played a significant role in the Philippine revolution for independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a film about Rizal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are several movies and documentaries about Rizal that you can watch to learn more about his life and legacy. Gather your friends or family and have a movie night in honor of Rizal Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Rizal Day celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check with your local government or organizations for any events or celebrations happening on Rizal Day. This is a great way to commemorate the holiday and be part of the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share Rizal's teachings and values</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use Rizal Day as an opportunity to reflect on his teachings and values, such as love for country, education, and social justice. Share these with others and inspire them to embody these ideals in their own lives.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the National Hero of the Philippines</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rizal Day is a national holiday in the Philippines that commemorates the death anniversary of Jose Rizal. He is considered to be the country's national hero for his contributions to the fight for independence from Spanish colonization and his writings that sparked a revolution.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us of our history and sacrifices</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rizal Day is not only a celebration of Jose Rizal, but also a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our ancestors in their pursuit of freedom. It is important to remember our history and never forget the struggles that have shaped our nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It serves as inspiration for future generations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By honoring the life and legacy of Jose Rizal, we can inspire future generations to strive for excellence, love for country, and service to others. Rizal Day is a reminder that anyone, regardless of background or circumstances, can make a significant impact on their nation and the world.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rizal Day was the first national holiday of the Philippines</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although many other holidays have been established since, Rizal Day holds the distinction of being the first national holiday in the Philippines, officially enacted in 1901.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rizal was multilingual</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to his native language, Rizal mastered 22 languages, highlighting his intellectual prowess and global outlook.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rizal's Full Name is Quite a Mouthful</h3><p class='facts-content'>Jose Rizal’s full name was actually Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. He later dropped the last three names which were linked to his mother, choosing "Rizal" for its meaning in Spanish: green fields ready for harvest.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rizal was an Ophthalmologist</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rizal was not just a writer and a patriot; he was also a trained ophthalmologist. He even performed a successful eye surgery on his mother, Doña Teodora, who was suffering from cataracts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rizal’s Works Were Once Banned</h3><p class='facts-content'>Because his novels exposed Spanish abuses in the Philippines, they were banned for many years. Possession of these works meant death during the Spanish period.</p></div></div>
Rizal Day is celebrated on December 30 every year. In 2024, Rizal Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Dec 30
Saturday
2024
Dec 30
Monday
2025
Dec 30
Tuesday
2026
Dec 30
Wednesday
2027
Dec 30
Thursday
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