On Friday, 30 December, we will be commemorating the 126th anniversary of José Rizal's martyrdom. With offices and schools closed, we can be tempted to spend Rizal Day as a rest day before the preparations for the New Year kick in.
Yet, old photographs of Rizal Day commemorations posted online give us an idea of how our forebears in Quezon province marked the holiday — ideas we might be able to follow.
Eric J. Dedace uploaded a photo from 1921 showing a colorful float which participated in Sariaya's Rizal Day parade. It was an automobile modified to allow people to stand on top, richly decorated with branches and flags.
Meanwhile, Vin Oriarte uploaded a photo from the Savedia family showing a group of richly dressed men and women in Pitogo riding a decorated boat. You would think they were there just for fun until you look closer and see that one of the ladies in front seems to wear a crown. She could be a Rizal Day Queen preparing for a fluvial parade.
You might ask: shouldn't the anniversary of Rizal's martyrdom be observed with solemnity and mourning?
That makes sense, and that is how we currently observe Rizal Day.
However, during the American occupation, Rizal Day became the de facto national day for Filipinos. It was a time Filipinos could openly express their pride not just for what Rizal did but also for what we could achieve if given the full liberties he and his comrades fought for.
It became the national fiesta — and had all the hallmarks of a fiesta: games, parades, and even a Queen selected through solicitation. The proceeds went to civic projects such as the erection of a monument or the improvement of a puericulture center. Abroad, dinners were held and in some Filipino communities, a Rizal Day Queen was also crowned.
As more holidays based on Filipino history and identity came, Rizal Day gradually returned to its solemn roots, just like how President Emilio Aguinaldo envisioned it to be in his decree on 20 December 1898. Fifty years later, on June 9, 1948, President Elpidio Quirino signed an act banning cockfighting, horse racing, and jai alai on Rizal Day. In the 1960s, the annual Rizal Day parade in Manila was phased out. Even the inauguration of the President and Vice President was moved to June 30.
Today, let us actively remember Rizal and the struggle for freedom that he passionately joined. We can visit a monument (there are many beautiful and historic ones in Quezon) and maybe place a flower as we pause and reflect. We can bring our families to history museums — the NHCP has three dedicated to Rizal (Calamba, Dapitan, Fort Santiago) and they are open on Rizal Day. And if you're in Manila, perhaps enjoy the LRT's free rides on peak hours.
We can also commemorate online by watching livestreamed rituals organized by the national and local governments, or spend a few minutes watching documentaries on his life online.
In whatever way we choose to do so, let's make Rizal Day really a day for Rizal just as our forebears intended it to be.