Bonifacio Day in the Philippines Date in the current year: November 30, 2024

Andrés Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863. In 1892 he founded a secret society Katipunan, that sought independence from Spain. In 1896 Katipunan staged an uprising against the Spanish authorities, that marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution. For some time Bonifacio was a national leader, but after several defeats he was replaced by Emilio Aguinaldo.

Before the creation of the provisional government the revolutionaries held a meting, known as the Tejeros Convention to settle the issue of the leader of the state: Bonifacio or Aguinaldo. By the secret vote the revolutionaries elected Aguinaldo to be President, and this decision was opposed by Bonifacio. Since Bonifacio started a rebel, Aguinaldo had to order his arrest. Andrés Bonifacio was tried and executed on May 10, 1897.

Although Emilio Aguinaldo was the first official President of the Philippines, many believe, that Andrés Bonifacio should have this title. Today Bonifacio is considered to be a national hero of the Philippines and his birthday is celebrated on the national level.