Bonifacio Day Description
Bonifacio Day on November 30th commemorates the birth of Andres Bonifacio (born 1863), the father of the Philippine Revolution and founder of the Katipunan — the secret revolutionary society that launched the armed struggle against Spanish colonial rule in 1896. Known as the 'Great Plebeian,' Bonifacio came from a modest background and represents the masses' aspiration for freedom, in contrast to the more ilustrado (educated elite) leadership of the Revolution. The main ceremonies take place at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City (a striking sculpture by Guillermo Tolentino) and at Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, the site of the first major battle of the Revolution. Government offices, banks, and schools close. In 2026, November 30th falls on a Monday, creating a three-day weekend. The holiday often passes relatively quietly compared to Rizal Day or Independence Day, though civic groups and nationalist organizations hold commemorative programs. The holiday sits just before the Christmas season peak, and many Filipinos use the long weekend for early Christmas shopping or decorating. The contrasting legacy of Bonifacio versus other national heroes is a perennial topic in Philippine historiography.
