Bonifacio Day in Philippines

What is Bonifacio Day?

Bonifacio Day, known as "Araw ng Kapanganakan ni Bonifacio" in the Philippines, honors Andrés Bonifacio's birth on November 30, 1863. 

He started the underground group Katipunan, which became the catalyst for the uprising in the  Philippine Revolution in 1896.

Bonifacio Day - All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: November 30
• Category: Federal
• Where It’s Marked: Philippines
• Why It’s Marked: Bonifacio Day celebrates and remembers Andrés Bonifacio's birthday in honor of the Filipino national hero.

History Of Bonifacio Day

Bonifacio was a revolutionary and is revered as a national hero in the Philippines. He is frequently called "the father of the Philippine Revolution."

Andrés Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863, and is remembered as the originator of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonialism. This revolution took place in the Philippines. 

In 1892, he and a few others founded the "Katipunan (KKK)" movement. Military uprisings against the Spanish colonizers were instigated by the Katipunan, a covert revolutionary organization.

As the head of the revolutionary government and the military leader of the Katipunan, Bonifacio is regarded by some historians as the country's first president. The Katipunan and Bonifacio finally emerged as the most powerful revolutionary forces the Spaniards had to contend with after enlisting many locals in their cause.

But some people, like Emilio Aguinaldo, opposed Bonifacio's rule. Following numerous leadership disputes and internal squabbles, Aguinaldo brutally seized control of the revolutionary troops and wrongly ordered Bonifacio to be tried and executed under the pretext of treason.

Bonifacio was executed in 1897 on charges of treason and sedition.

Under Philippine Legislature Act No. 2946, November 30 was initially recognized as Bonifacio Day. Francis Burton Harrison, the governor at the time, signed it in 1921.

How to Celebrate Bonifacio Day

The majority of businesses, including schools, are closed on this holiday. But confectionary stores remain open. Some people may choose to commemorate Bonifacio's legacy by visiting Bonifacio-specific monuments. 

As it is a holiday, you can do some meaningful acts to celebrate the day in the spirit of Andrés Bonifacio. You might be interested in one or multiple of these activities!

1. Visiting Bonifacio Monument

On Bonifacio Day, you can visit the Bonifacio Monument. You can place a floral tribute at the monument to convey your respect. Creating or purchasing a floral tribute as a mark of respect and remembrance for one of the nation's national heroes is a warm gesture.

2. Learning the History of Bonifacio 

Andrés Bonifacio is a patriotic hero. The revolutionary hero did a great many things and spoke many profound comments during his lifetime while battling for the nation's freedom. Numerous books have been written about Bonifacio. You can also read up on the revolutionary who inspires you. 

3. Sharing Books

Bonifacio read books to educate himself. It is no news that reading books deepen your thoughts and expands your horizons. So, sharing books with your friends and donating books to charity is a fantastic way to honor Bonifacio Day.

Countries that Observe Bonifacio Day

In the Philippines, Bonifacio Day is celebrated. It is an official holiday, and the Philippines celebrate the day with the utmost respect to commemorate their national hero.

Interesting Facts About Bonifacio Day

Andrés Bonifacio was a fascinating character throughout his life. He is referred to as the Father of the Philippine Revolution and the Supremo in the history textbooks. We know that you learn about the hero in your history classes. But it won't hurt to know him, and the day commemorating his birthday is even better! 

• Each year on the Monday closest to November 30, or the 30th itself, Bonifacio Day is celebrated to provide people a long weekend!
• Bonifacio Day is observed on his birthday rather than the day of his passing!
• This day celebrates a hero! Bonifacio struggled to free his nation from colonial rule. It's important to remember and respect his heroic deeds!
• It might surprise you that Bonifacio did not complete his formal education! But he did educate himself through reading literature!
• For his imagined nation-state, Bonifacio commissioned Julio Nakpil to write a national song!
• Some historians argue that he used to be a better writer than Jose Rizal! The National Artist and chair of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, Virgilio Almario, said that Bonifacio is a better writer than Rizal because of his works.
• Andrés Bonifacio's death remained a mystery! According to some historians, his brother was shot first, and when Andres tried to flee, he was shot. Others would argue that Andres was hacked to the ground to stop further shots after his brother was shot. In any case, the brothers were laid to rest on the mountain in little graves.

Unique Bonifacio Day Celebration Ideas

If you fantasize about curling up with a good book in bed and spending a day only reading books, then this could be a perfect opportunity for you to unleash your inner nerd! 

We can only advance by continually seeking out new knowledge. Take any book of your choice and spend the day reading it. That way, you can live in the spirit of Bonifacio and learn something new for yourself too! The day serves as a reminder to read occasionally, continue learning, and enlarge our mental horizons.

You might also want to check out one of his favorite books, as history says Bonifacio used to be a voracious reader! 

Bonifacio Day Quotes

Bonifacio Day is a day to remember the deeds of Andrés Bonifacio. Nothing would be more thoughtful than reflecting on his ideologies and teachings in your personal life. 

This Bonifacio Day, celebrate the national holiday with some thoughtful verses by Andrés Bonifacio. Trouble finding his quotes? Let us help you find some!

“Always desire the goodness of each other; be a model to one another in executing and fulfilling one's duty."

“Love your Country next to God, your honor, and most of all yourself.”

"Reason teaches us that we must be united in will, united in thought and that we might have the strength to search out the reigning evil in our nation. This is the time for the light of truth to the surface; this is the time for us to show that we have our own sentiments, have honor, have shame, and have solidarity."

“What love can be purer and greater than the love of the country? What love? No other love, none.”

FAQ

1. Is Bonaficio Day a national holiday in the Philippines?

Yes, Bonifacio Day is a national holiday.

2. Is Bonaficio Day a non-working holiday?

Bonifacio Day is a non-working holiday. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ensures that the employees abide by the law on the payment of wages for the regular holiday on November 30 and the non-working holidays on November 1 and 2.

3. Who is the mastermind behind the Katipunan?

The Katipunan was said to have had Emilio Jacinto as its heart and mastermind.

4. When was the 100th anniversary of Bonifacio Day?

Bonifacio Day was first celebrated in 1921. So, 2021 was its 100th anniversary!