Some figures, events, and names stand out from others in every country and period. Nations have always celebrated and remembered specific authors, artists, activists, and leaders. There are also real national heroes, such as Jose Rizal of the Philippines.
Today, we will discuss Rizal Day and the historical occurrences it honors.
Rizal Day is a national holiday in the Philippines, celebrated on December 30 of every year. It commemorates the execution day of Jose Rizal, the Pambansang Bayani (national hero) of the Philippines, in 1896. The inaugural Rizal Day was observed in 1898 by Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first president.
José Rizal, born on June 19, 1861, is recognized as a pivotal figure in sparking the uprising against the Spanish colonists. Among his many skills, Rizal was a novelist and an ophthalmologist. His two books, “Noli me Tangere” (Spanish for “Do Not Touch Me”) and the follow-up “El filibusterismo” (English: “The Filibustering” or “Reign of Greed”), highlighted the wrongdoings committed by the Spanish colonizers in the Philippines. Many scholars and historians would conclude that the themes in these two works motivated the already discontented Filipinos to revolt against the Spanish. He was subsequently detained for treason and for having ties to the revolutionary forces (although he did not take part in any warfare). On December 30, 1896, he received a firing squad sentence after being found guilty of insurrection, sedition, and conspiring against the government. The Filipinos’ reaction to his death was the final straw, and the Spanish colonizers’ downfall after that started.
In Rizal Park, where Rizal was fatally shot, the biggest celebration of Rizal Day takes place. These festivities include a 21-gun salute and a wreath laying at the Rizal Monument. The President and vice president of the Philippines conduct this event. The Philippine Air Force is flying overhead as the flag is hoisted. The President might deliver a speech reviewing the year’s events and highlighting future initiatives. Every province in the Philippines holds a smaller-scale celebration of Rizal Day under the direction of government representatives. On this day, flags must be flown at half-staff, and specific activities are forbidden. Cockfighting, horse racing, and jai-alai are a few of these (a Basque-inspired sport similar to racquetball). As it is a public holiday, most people take the day off from work and spend time with family and friends.
Therefore, let us honorably observe this momentous occasion by comprehending the true significance of Jose Rizal’s sacrifice and continuing to emphasize to ourselves and future generations the value of patriotism and our obligations as citizens to the nation.
How to observe Rizal Day:
—Attend a wreath-laying ceremony or flag service.
—Commemorate Jose Rizal’s death
—Take the day off from work