Rizal Day (Philippines)
Rizal Day is observed annually on December 30 in the Philippines as a public holiday dedicated to honoring José Rizal, a pivotal figure in the nation's quest for independence from colonial rule. Born on June 19, 1861, to a wealthy family in Laguna, Rizal became a prominent intellectual and political figure while studying medicine in Europe. His writings, particularly "The Lost Eden," criticized Spanish colonialism and inspired the Philippine independence movement. Rizal's activism led to his arrest and subsequent exile to Mindanao in 1892, but he continued to influence the movement from afar. In 1896, Rizal was executed by firing squad in Manila after being wrongly convicted of treason, a pivotal event that galvanized the struggle for freedom. His legacy is commemorated through various commemorative events and activities across the country, with Rizal Park in Manila serving as a significant site for remembrance. Rizal Day not only honors his memory but also reflects the broader themes of nationalism and the ongoing quest for equality and justice in the Philippines.
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Rizal Day (Philippines)
Rizal Day (Philippines)
December 30 of every year is Rizal Day in the East Asian archipelagic nation of the Philippines. It is a public holiday to honor the memory of José Rizal, a national hero for Filipinos due to his service in the struggle for independence from colonial rule.
Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in the Philippine province of Laguna to a wealthy family. His full name was José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda. At the time, the Philippines were part of the Spanish empire, conquered many centuries before. Rizal was educated in Europe, where he studied medicine, but his interests turned to politics, and in his book The Lost Eden, (1886) he criticizes Spanish rule. This book, and others which followed, were well-received and their popularity helped further the independence movement in the Philippines. As a leader of this movement, Rizal was arrested by the Spanish authorities after he returned to the Philippine capital of Manila in 1892. He was exiled to the island of Mindanao, but according to the Spanish he was nevertheless still able to start an uprising in 1896. This Filipino revolt was put down, and after Rizal was convicted of treason by a military tribunal, he was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896. The execution took place in Manila at Bagumbayan Field, later renamed Rizal Park in his honor.