National Heroes’ Day – August 28, 2023

Observed on the last Monday of each August, National Heroes Day commemorates the Cry of Pugad Lawin, a revolt that kicked off the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire and the long struggle toward that country’s independence.

After centuries of rule by Spain, the United States, and Japan, the Philippines finally achieved full independence at the end of World War II. This victory ended a protracted conflict that pitted the small island nation against major world powers.

Filipinos celebrate Heroes Day with parades, events at local shrines, and fireworks displays, honoring the known and unknown heroes of the Revolution.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY

The picture-perfect islands and sparkling Pacific waters that surround the Philippines belie the country’s tumultuous history and struggle for freedom. On the last Monday of August, Filipinos commemorate the Cry of Pugad Lawin, a pivotal moment in the Filipino independence movement.

Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain on a 1542 expedition. After three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule, realizing the Spanish had no intention of loosening their grip on the island territory, the Katipunan movement — led by Andres Bonifacio — mounted an armed uprising. Bonifacio and his men publicly tore up their cedulas (residence certificates issued by the Spanish), shouting “Long live the Philippines!” kickstarting a revolution.

Though the Spanish eventually defeated Bonifacio and his troops, their insurrection inspired a wave of revolts across the country that ultimately led to the Spanish-American War and in 1899, the formation of the First Philippine Republic.

The road to full independence wound through an alliance with the United States, a betrayal by the Americans, and another war. By 1902, over 40,000 Filipinos had died, and the U.S. replaced military rule with civilian rule. It wasn’t until 1946, after a brutal Japanese occupation, that the Republic of the Philippines finally became free.

Enacted as a holiday in 1931, while the Philippines was still a U.S. commonwealth, National Heroes Day honors known and unknown national heroes. The holiday defiantly endured through the Japanese occupation and continues to hold an important place in the Filipino calendar today. Citizens honor fallen heroes with solemn military events, wreath layings, and parades.

NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY TIMELINE

NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY AROUND THE WORLD

Country	Holiday	Occasion	Date
Angola	National Heroes Day	National Heroes Day celebrates the birthday of the national hero Agostinho Neto.	September 17
Barbados	National Heroes Day	National Heroes’ Day celebrates the Barbadian National Heroes.	April 28
Cape Verde	National Heroes Day	Heroes Day commemorates the assassination of Amílcar Cabral in 1973, who actively fought exploitation and colonialism.	January 20
East Timor	National Heroes Day	It commemorates the Indonesian invasion of East Timor.	December 31
Hungary	National Heroes Day	A public holiday in Hungary, the day commemorates soldiers in service of the country.	May 31

TRADITIONS OF THE DAY

National Heroes Day primarily celebrates the people who stirred the Philippine revolution, unshackling the country from Spanish rule and securing their independence from the U.S.

It is a public holiday, with the general population getting the day off from work and schools and businesses being closed. 

Parades are organized and wreaths are laid in honor of those who lost their lives while bringing independence to the country.

BY THE NUMBERS 

7,100 – the number of islands constituting the Philippines.

28.1% – the percentage of Tagalog people that make up the Filipino population.

108.1 million – the population of the Philippines.

80% – the percentage of people in the Philippines who are Roman Catholic.

1521 – the year when Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippine islands for Spain.

NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY FAQS

How many islands make up the Philippine archipelago?

• The Philippines is made up of over 7,500 islands, 5,000 of which remain unnamed.

Why did Filipinos revolt against the Spanish?

• By the 1890s, the pressure built up by three centuries of oppressive Spanish rule led the Filipino people to organize and claim their independence.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY

1. Visit a veterans’ memorialWhether or not you have loved ones who served in the military, you can take a moment to visit a public warm memorial and pay your respects to the veterans who fight for freedom and independence in every country.
2. Attend a paradeHeroes Day is commonly celebrated with parades in most Filipino towns.
3. Spend time with familyIf you have the day off from work, use the time to connect with your family and enjoy a local park or attraction you haven’t gotten around to visiting.

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

1. “Texting capital” of the world400 million texts every day, more than the U.S. and Europe combined.
2. The densest population centerManila, the capital, has the world’s highest population density at 55,446 people per square mile.
3. Mall rat heavenThree of the ten largest malls in the world are in the Philippines, where the hot and humid climate drives people to air-conditioned indoor attractions.
4. 1 in 10 Filipinos work overseasMore than a tenth of the population works overseas and consist of 25% of all overseas nurses
5. The yo-yo is a Filipino inventionThe popular stringed toy, inspired by an ancient Filipino hunting weapon, was invented by a Filipino-American.

Source: https://rb.gy/iu7lo