Bonifacio Day (Filipino: Araw ni Bonifacio) is an annual celebration and national holiday in the Philippines to commemorate one of the country's national heroes, Andrés Bonifacio. He was the originator and eventual Katipunan Supremo, a confidential community that fought the Philippine Revolution of 1896 against the Spanish Empire. The day is celebrated each November 30, on the birthday of Bonifacio. Bonifacio also derives his name from St Andrew the Apostle, as he was born on the saint’s feast day.
Bonifacio Day 2023 Date
Bonifacio Day is celebrated in the Philippines on 30 November annually and it is a holiday. This day was created to show homage to the life and contributions of Andrés Bonifacio, a Filipino revolutionary and a key figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization in the late 19th century. This year, Bonifacio Day will be celebrated on Thursday, 30th of November 2023.
History of Bonifacio Day
Bonifacio's birthday (30 November 1863) has been celebrated by civic organizations since 1901. Senator Lope K. Santos filed a bill in 1920 to proclaim November 30 as a holiday. Next year, the governor-general agreed to the bill as Act No. 2946. The law did not name the day on Bonifacio and connected November 30 to the list of holidays listed in Act No. 2711. Eventually, the date became a holiday to remember all Filipino heroes. This carried on even when a different National Heroes' Day holiday was announced in 1931. In 1942, November 30 was selected as National Heroes' Day. Later in 1952, by that time, President Elpidio Quirino ordered to separation of Bonifacio Day and National Heroes' Day by an executive order.
Bonifacio Day Law
There is no certain "Bonifacio Day Law" in the Philippines' Constitution. However, Bonifacio Day was officially declared a public holiday by Commonwealth Act No. 294, passed on 28 October 1936 during the Commonwealth Period. On this day, government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed to allow Filipinos to participate in activities honoring the memory of Bonifacio and the ideals he stood for.
Andrés Bonifacio Birthday
Andrés Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. The Katipunan later revolted against Spanish rule in 1896, known as the Philippine Revolution. He is celebrated every year on November 30th as Bonifacio Day. Despite facing internal struggles within the revolutionary movement, Bonifacio’s efforts for independence are still respected.
Bonifacio Day Celebrations
Andres Bonifacio was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary who played a vital role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Various programs and activities are organized across the country in his memory. These include
- wreath-laying ceremonies
- parades
- storytelling
- seminars
- lectures.
How to Celebrate Bonifacio Day
Below we have given you 5 best ideas to celebrate Bonifacio Day:
1. GO TO HISTORIC SITES
Explore historical sites associated with Andres Bonifacio, such as the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila or the Museo ng Katipunan in San Juan.
2. ATTEND LECTURES AND SEMINARS
Look for lectures, seminars, or educational programs on Bonifacio’s life and contributions to the Philippine Revolution and attend there.
3. OBSERVE WREATH-LAYING CEREMONIES
Witness a wreath-laying ceremony at monuments or statues of Andrew Boniface. Show your respect to this unforgettable person by recalling the sacrifices he made for your nation.
4. VOLUNTEER IN COMMUNITY SERVICE
Engage in community service to honor Bonifacio’s ideals. Go out to join in some charitable programs, charitable efforts, or initiatives that support social justice and help the most vulnerable.
5. HOST CULTURAL PRACTICES
Conduct or attend cultural shows that highlight Philippine history, folk dances, music, and theatrical performances related to the revolutionary period.
Happy Bonifacio Day Wishes, Greetings 2023
Here are some beautiful Bonifacio Day Greetings and Wishes for you to share with others:
- May the spirit of Andrew Bonifacio inspire us to stand up for justice, freedom, and the well-being of our Filipino brothers and sisters. Happy Bonifacio Day!
- May the legacy of Andrés Bonifacio keep igniting the fire of patriotism within us. Maligayang Araw ni Bonifacio!
- Let's remember the sacrifices of our forefathers on Bonifacio's Day and strive to cultivate courage, unity, and community. Maligayang Araw ni Bonifacio!
- On this special holiday, I'm wishing you a happy Boniface Day filled with pride, gratitude for our heroes, and the vow to fight for a better future.
- As we celebrate Bonifacio's Day, let us honor the heroes of the past, and carry with us their ideals for a truly free and sovereign nation.
Happy Bonifacio Day SMS, Messages 2023
Below are some Bonifacio Day Short Messages (SMS) for you to send your fellow Filipinos:
- Wish you a happy and inspiring Bonifacio Day! Let's remember the courage and sacrifices of our heroes in the pursuit of freedom and independence.
- Sending you the warmest wishes on Bonifacio's Birthday! May the feelings of patriotism and love for our nation continue to thrive in our hearts.
- Maligayang Araw ni Bonifacio! Let's honor the legacy of Andrew Bonifacio and work hard for a united and prosperous Philippines.
- May the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice fought for by Andres Bonifacio be upheld in our society. Happy Birthday, Andrés Bonifacio!
- This Bonifacio's Birthday, let's come along to honor the heroism and courage of our ancestors. Maligayang Araw ni Bonifacio!
Bonifacio Day Status, Captions 2023.
Here are some Bonifacio Day Statuses and Captions to share on social media on the occasion of Andrés Bonifacio's Birthday:
- Honoring the courage and patriotism of our national hero on Bonifacio Day. Maligayang Araw ni Bonifacio!
- This Bonifacio Day, let us unite as Filipinos and move towards a better future. Happy Bonifacio Day!
- Let's celebrate the courage and sacrifice of Andrés Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution. #BonifacioDay
- Commemorating Andrés Bonifacio and his struggle for freedom. May the spirit inspire us to work for a united and progressive Philippines. #HappyBonifacioDay
- Let's embody the spirit of Bonifacio and the ideals it represents: strength, unity, and independence. #BonifacioDay2023!
Bonifacio Day Quotes
On the anniversary of Andrés Bonifacio enrich your knowledge with some of his inspiring quotes. Below we have added some of his most famous quotes:
"Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila." (What love could be greater than purity and nobility?)
"Ang pagsusumikap at pagpipilit na kumita ng ikakabuhay ay pagpapahayag ng tunay na pagmamahal sa sarili, sa asawa, anak, kapatid, at kababayan." (Diligence is an expression of true love for oneself, spouse, children, siblings, and fellow countrymen.
"Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?" (If not now, when?)
"Reason teaches us that we must be united in will, united in thought and that we might have the strength to search out the reigning evil in our Nation. This is the time for the light of truth to surface; this is the time for us to show that we have our own sentiments, have honor, have shame, and have solidarity."
"Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa ang amoy sa mabahong isda." (Those who do not love their own language are worse than smelly fish.
"Why? Which is a perfect size, which offered an irreverent inspiration, is very costly ruling, and ginugulan harbor life?"
"Also with this love of country, all the more expensive gunita’y, From masaya’y gasong infancy until his body be in the grave."
"Ay! It’s her homeland: He iona’t distinguishing inertia of interesting brightness of the sun that gives heat throughout the body."
In the concluding section of Bonifacio Day, we can say that it is an important event in Philippine national history and culture. It is a day for every Filipino to honor the valor, leadership, and patriotism of Andrés Bonifacio. The holiday reminds Filipinos of the struggle for independence, the sacrifices of their ancestors, and the ongoing quest for national sovereignty.