Rizal Day in the Philippines
Rizal Day is observed in the Philippines on December 30, the anniversary of José Rizal’s execution in 1896. It honors Rizal’s place in Philippine history and is a regular national holiday with commemorations provided for by law.[1][2]
A holiday tied to Rizal’s martyrdom
José Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, and the anniversary became a public holiday in the Philippines. Act No. 345, enacted in 1902, named December 30 among the public holidays in the Philippine Islands.[1][2]
The date connects a national holiday to the death of a Filipino writer, physician and patriot. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ marker at Paco Cemetery records that Rizal was executed and secretly buried there on December 30, 1896; his remains were later moved to the monument at Luneta.[2]
Legal status and local observances
Rizal Day is designated as a regular holiday in the government’s annual holiday proclamation.[3]
Republic Act No. 229 assigns each municipality and chartered city’s mayor a role in organizing the annual observance, with local government agencies and civic and educational institutions available to assist. The act names raising the Philippine flag at half-mast on public buildings and vessels among the ceremonies. It also prohibits cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai on December 30.[4]
Ceremonies and practical planning
The law calls for observances across municipalities and chartered cities, so local commemorations can take place in different communities. The statute specifies the half-mast flag ceremony.[4]
Because the day is classified as a regular holiday, work and holiday-pay arrangements are governed by the applicable rules for regular holidays.[3] Check with individual businesses and transport operators before making plans.
Rizal Day: frequently asked questions
Is Rizal Day a public holiday?
Yes. It is listed as a regular holiday in the government’s annual proclamation. Work and holiday-pay arrangements follow the rules that apply to regular holidays.[3]
What activities are prohibited on Rizal Day?
Republic Act No. 229 prohibits cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai on December 30.[4]
Are offices, banks, shops and public transport closed?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[3] Shops, banks and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.
Sources and references
Sources used for Rizal Day in Philippines:
- Act No. 345- The Lawphil Project, Arellano Law Foundation
- Jose Rizal (Paco Cemetery)- National Historical Commission of the Philippines
- Proclamation No. 1006: Declaring the Regular Holidays and Special (Non-Working) Days for the Year 2026- The Lawphil Project, Arellano Law Foundation
- Republic Act No. 229- The Lawphil Project, Arellano Law Foundation