Bonifacio Day

Categories:: Cultural
Tags:: Cultural Historical
Where:: Philippines
Date change rule:: Every November 30
Holiday emoji:: 🇵🇭

Bonifacio Day commemorates Filipino national hero Andrés Bonifacio every November 30. This national holiday in the Philippines honors the leader who initiated the revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Reflect on his legacy, learn about the Katipunan, and participate in events that celebrate Philippine independence.

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Expected Bonifacio Day Deals

As a national holiday in the Philippines, Bonifacio Day typically sees a focus on remembrance rather than commercial deals. However, cultural institutions and historical sites often offer special exhibits or free admission to encourage public engagement with Bonifacio’s legacy. Retailers like SM Supermalls and Ayala Malls may run patriotic-themed sales or promotions on Filipino-made products. Local bookstores such as National Book Store might feature discounts on history books and biographies related to the Philippine Revolution. Educational institutions and government agencies often organize commemorative events, lectures, and wreath-laying ceremonies. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and events as November 30 approaches.

Platform Guide for Bonifacio Day

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BonifacioDay. Share historical facts, quotes from Bonifacio, or photos from local commemorations.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BonifacioDay. Engage in discussions about Bonifacio’s impact and share news related to the holiday’s observance.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BonifacioDay. Post visuals of historical markers, statues, or artistic interpretations of the Philippine Revolution.

Bonifacio Day Hero

Andrés Bonifacio

Andrés Bonifacio (1863–1897) was a Filipino revolutionary leader and the first President of the Tagalog Republic. He is often called 'The Father of the Philippine Revolution' and 'Supremo' of the Katipunan, a secret society that aimed to gain independence from Spanish colonial rule. Bonifacio led the Cry of Pugad Lawin, marking the start of the Philippine Revolution in August 1896. His vision and leadership laid the groundwork for the eventual declaration of Philippine independence.

History of Bonifacio Day

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro was born on November 30, 1863, in Manila in the Philippines. Bonifacio had five younger siblings, so his parents worked hard to support him and his siblings. At a young age, Bonifacio worked full-time to support his younger siblings. 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.

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 lowly 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.

Bonifacio Day timeline

1863

Bonifacio Is Born

Andrés Bonifacio is born on November 30 in Manila in the Philippines.

1895

Becoming Supreme President

Bonifacio becomes the Supreme President of the secret revolutionary society the Katipunan.

1896

The Beginning of the Philippine Revolution

The Katipunan is discovered, leading to the Philippine Revolution.

1897

The Execution

Bonifacio is executed on charges of sedition and treason.

1921

A Holiday Declared

November 30 is declared a national holiday.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Bonifacio Day

Local businesses in the Philippines can honor Bonifacio Day by creating educational displays about Andrés Bonifacio and the Katipunan. Restaurants might offer traditional Filipino dishes or special menus named after historical figures. Retailers can feature products made by local artisans or promote books on Philippine history, emphasizing national pride. Businesses could also sponsor or participate in community events, such as historical reenactments or essay contests for students, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation’s heritage and its heroes.

Bonifacio Day FAQs

When is Bonifacio Day?

Bonifacio Day 2026 falls on Monday, November 30. This national holiday in the Philippines honors the birth anniversary of Andrés Bonifacio, a key figure in the country’s fight for independence.

Why is Bonifacio Day celebrated on his birthday?

Unlike other national heroes whose death anniversaries are commemorated, Bonifacio Day honors Andrés Bonifacio’s birthday. This is due to the controversial circumstances of his execution by fellow Filipinos, rather than by foreign colonizers. Celebrating his birth focuses on his life and contributions.

Is Bonifacio Day a public holiday in the Philippines?

Yes, Bonifacio Day on November 30, 2026, is a regular national holiday in the Philippines. Government offices, schools, and many private businesses are closed, allowing people to participate in commemorative activities.

What was the Katipunan?

The Katipunan, or ‘Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan’ (Supreme and Venerable Association of the Children of the Nation), was a secret revolutionary society founded by Andrés Bonifacio in 1892. Its primary goal was to gain independence from Spain through armed revolt, uniting Filipinos against colonial rule.

How to Observe Bonifacio Day

Visit Bonifacio Monument
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.
Donate books
It’s 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.
Learn about the history
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.

5 Facts About The Katipunan You Need To Know

The Katipunan had a thorough recruitment process
New members of the Katipunan underwent an intensive initiation process, similar to Masonic practices, and they would be sworn to secrecy about all they had learned.
They had a secret chamber for punishment
They had a secret chamber (Camara Secreta) used to pass judgment on those who betrayed their oath and broke the Katipunan laws.
The Katipunan formed a triangle system
Bonifacio formed a triangle system, meaning that a Katipunan recruiter would only ask two members to join, and only the recruiter would know their names.
They attempted to ask Japan for help
After the meeting with the Japanese warship captain, the Japanese agreed to sell the Filipinos arms and ammunition, but the deal failed due to the lack of funds and the discovery of the Katipunan by the Spanish.
They had a national anthem
Bonifacio requested Julio Nakpil to compose a national anthem (“Marangál na Dalit ng̃ Katagalugan”) for his conceptual nation-state (Haring Bayang Katagalugan) with the Katipunan as its revolutionary government.

Why Bonifacio Day is Important

It commemorates a hero
Freedom is precious and achieved through sacrifice. 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.
Bonifacio is a role model
Bonifacio did not finish his formal education, but he did educate himself through reading books. It was probably one of the factors that led to his revolutionary movement — not giving up.
It is a day to learn
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.