National Heroes’ Day

National Heroes’ Day, on the last Monday of each August, commemorates the Pugad Lawin Rebellion that started the Philippine Revolution of 1896 against the Spanish Empire and the country’s long struggle for independence. After centuries of Spanish, United States, and Japanese rule, the Philippines finally achieved full independence at the end of World War II, ending a prolonged and often cruel conflict between the small island nation and the major world powers. Filipinos solemnly celebrate this patriotic holiday with military parades, wreath-laying events at local shrines, and fireworks in honor of both famous and unknown heroes of the revolution.

History

Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain on an expedition in 1521. After three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule, the Katipunan movement, led by Andres Bonifacio, launched an armed uprising. The rebellion was put down but sparked a wave of riots throughout the country, which eventually led to the Spanish-American War and, in 1899, the formation of the First Philippine Republic. The path to complete independence ran through an alliance with the United States, the betrayal of the Americans, and another war. By 1902, over 40,000 Filipinos had died, and the US replaced military rule with civilian rule. The Republic of the Philippines became fully independent only in 1946, after the brutal Japanese occupation.

Introduced as a holiday in 1931 when the Philippines was still allied with the United States, National Heroes’ Day commemorates the heroes of the revolution who died for the country’s freedom, as well as those who steadfastly survived the Japanese occupation. The first annual celebration took place in Balintawak in 1908. In 1911, a monument to the Rebellion (a lone warrior, popularly identified with Bonifacio) was erected in Balintawak.

Interesting facts

It is still unknown where the uprising in August 1896 took place – in Pugad Lawin or in Balintawak.

How to take part

You can celebrate National Heroes’ Day:

1. Read about the Philippine Revolution – it’s extremely interesting!
2. Congratulate fellow Filipinos on their national day.
3. Visit a local shrine to pay respect to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
4. Take part in a military parade or watch one.
5. Enjoy fireworks in honor of the heroes.

When is National Heroes’ Day in 2024?

National Heroes’ Day is observed on the last Monday of August each year.

Observations