Rizal Day

Learn more fun facts on the Rizal Day Video Page.

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Federal Historical
Where:: Philippines
Date change rule:: Every December 30
Holiday emoji:: 🇵🇭

Rizal Day honors the life and works of Dr. José Rizal, a revered national hero of the Philippines, every December 30. This solemn day encourages reflection on his sacrifices and contributions to Philippine independence. Participate in memorial ceremonies, visit historical sites, and learn more about his profound influence.

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Expected Rizal Day Deals

As a national holiday in the Philippines, Rizal Day typically involves closures of government offices and schools, allowing for public commemoration. While not a day for commercial deals, cultural institutions like museums and historical sites may offer special exhibits or educational programs. Expect public services to operate on a holiday schedule. We will update this page with any specific public events or observances as December 30 approaches.

Platform Guide for Rizal Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #RizalDay. Share insights on Rizal’s impact on leadership and nation-building.

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Mention @NatlToday and use #RizalDay. Share quotes from Rizal or historical facts about his life and execution.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RizalDay. Post photos from Rizal monuments or local commemorative events.

Rizal Day Hero

José Rizal

Dr. José Rizal (1861–1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and polymath who became a national hero for his pivotal role in the Philippine Revolution. Through his novels 'Noli Me Tángere' and 'El filibusterismo,' he exposed the injustices of Spanish colonial rule, inspiring a generation to fight for freedom. His execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896, cemented his status as a martyr and a symbol of Philippine independence.

History of Rizal Day

Dr. José Rizal is credited with playing a key role in starting the revolution against the Spanish colonists. He was born on June 19, 1861, in the town of Calamba. Rizal was a doctor and a novelist. In his novel “Noli me Tanger,” published in 1887, he condemned the corrupt rule of the Philippines by Spaniards. Many historians agree that the ideas he raised in that novel and “El filibusterismo” (Reign of Greed), inspired the revolution.

On December 30, 1896, Rizal was executed by firing squad at Bagumbayan field. Though he never took part in any fighting, he was arrested and tried for treason.

In 1898, the first president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo, commemorated the first Rizal Day as a national day of mourning for Rizal and all the casualties of the Spanish colonial rule of the Philippines. Daet, Camarines Norte was the first town to follow the decree, building a monument designed by Lt. Col. Antonio Sanz and financed by the townsfolk of Camarines Norte and the rest of the Bicol Region.

In 1901, following America’s victory against the Spaniards in the Spanish–American War, the Americans took control of the Philippines. Demonstrating that they were more pro-Filipino than the Spaniards, the American Governor-General William Howard Taft named Rizal a Philippine national hero. A year later, on February 1, 1902, the Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 345, which officially declared December 30 as Rizal Day.

On June 9, 1948, President Elpidio Quirino signed Republic Act No. 229 into law to ensure the solemnity of the event. The law prohibits cockfighting, horse racing, and jai-alai every December 30 and requires that flags across the country remain at half staff throughout the day.

The centenary of Rizal’s death on December 30, 1996, included retracing Rizal’s last steps from his cell at Fort Santiago to the execution site, followed by a reenactment of his death and the flag-raising ceremony.

Rizal Day timeline

1887

Rizal Writes “Noli me Tangere”

In his novel “Noli me Tangere” (Touch me not) published in 1887, Rizal condemns the corrupt rule of the Philippines by Spanish colonists.

1896

Rizal is Executed at Bagumbayan Field

On December 30, 1896, Rizal is executed by firing squad at Bagumbayan field (now known as Rizal Park) in Manila at exactly seven am.

1898

President Emilio Declares National Day of Mourning

The first president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo, commemorates the first Rizal Day of mourning for Rizal and all casualties of the Spanish colonial rule of the Philippines.

1902

Rizal Day is Officially Declared A Holiday

On February 1, the Philippine Commission enacts Act. No. 345, officially declaring Rizal Day, on December 30, a national holiday.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Rizal Day

Local businesses in the Philippines can honor Rizal Day by educating their employees and customers about José Rizal’s contributions. Establishments might display historical facts or quotes from Rizal, or organize small, respectful tributes. Restaurants could offer traditional Filipino dishes, highlighting the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Businesses can also support local historical societies or museums that preserve Rizal’s legacy through donations or promotional partnerships, fostering a sense of national pride.

Rizal Day FAQs

When is Rizal Day?

Rizal Day 2026 falls on a Wednesday, December 30. This national holiday in the Philippines commemorates the execution of national hero José Rizal in 1896.

What is the significance of Rizal Day?

Rizal Day is significant as it honors the martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal, whose writings and ideals fueled the Philippine independence movement. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for national freedom.

Is Rizal Day a public holiday in the Philippines?

Yes, Rizal Day is a regular national holiday in the Philippines. Government offices, schools, and many private businesses typically close, allowing for public participation in commemorative events.

What was José Rizal's last poem?

José Rizal’s last poem, written just hours before his execution, is titled ‘Mi último adiós’ (My Last Farewell). It is a poignant and powerful piece reflecting his love for his country and his impending sacrifice.

How to Observe Rizal Day

Attend a wreath-laying ceremony or flag service
To mark the day, the Philippine flag is flown at half-mast across the country. The service is led by the president of the Philipines at the Rizal Monument in Manila. Wreath-laying ceremonies are also held at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba and the Rizal Monument in Baguio City.
Commemorate Jose Rizal’s death or celebrate his birth
In recent years there have been several calls to move this holiday to Rizal's birthday, June 19, as it will be more fitting to celebrate his birth rather than commemorate his death. Also, the proximity of Christmas and New Year reduces the importance of the holiday on December 30.
Take the day off from work
Rizal Day on December 30 is a special non-working holiday. Most workers take the day off as a paid workday. Individuals who are required to work on Rizal Day get twice their normal daily rate of wages.

5 Interesting Facts About Rizal Day

Rizal Day is also inauguration day
Starting in 1936, Rizal Day was also the inauguration day of the incoming presidents of the Philippines.
Cockfighting is prohibited on December 30
To ensure the solemnity of Rizal Day, President Elpidio Quirino signed into law Republic Act No. 229 on June 9, 1948, prohibiting cockfighting, horse racing, and jai-alai every December 30.
Rizal was named a ‘National hero’
In 1901, the American Governor-General William Howard Taft named Rizal a Philippine ‘National hero.’
Rizal Day ceremonies are led by Presidents
Rizal Day ceremonies are led by the Philippines President or Vice President at Rizal Park in Manila, usually very early in the mornings.
Rizal wasn’t directly involved in the insurrection
Though Rizal had no direct role in the nationalist insurrection and never took part in any fighting, he was arrested and tried for treason, and executed.

Why Rizal Day is Important

We commemorate José Rizal as a National Hero of the Philippines
Dr. Jose Rizal is credited with playing a key role in starting the revolution against the Spanish colonists. Ceremonies including a flypast by the Philippine Air Force and the raising of the national flag at the Independence Flagpole, mark the special occasion.
It’s a national day of mourning
December 30 is a national day of mourning for Rizal in Malolos and all the victims of the Spanish colonial rule of the Philippines. Rites are held in several provinces and towns in the country and include flag-raising services, speeches, and wreath-laying ceremonies.
Wreath-laying ceremonies at Rizal Park
Rizal Day ceremonies are held at Rizal Park in Manila. This is usually held in the early mornings and led by the President and Vice President. It involves the laying of a wreath at the Rizal Monument and a year-end address by the President that is broadcast on television.