Sunday, 28 April 2013

Araw ng Kalayaan – Independence Day in the Philippines


Araw ng Kalayaan (literally meaning “Day of Freedom”) is an annual national holidays on the 12th of June, which commemorates the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain, on the same day in 1898.

A little bit of history – Emilio Aguinaldo led the declaration of the Philippine independence from the Spanish colonial rule. However, June 12 was not recognized as it is today, until 1962, when the current president Diosdado Macapagal declared that it was a day dedicated to the freedom and independence of the Philippines. The day was thus changed from being the Flag Day, to what it is known as today.

The main occurrence is the police/military parade in Manila. After the patriotic raising of the flag and public address by the President, there is a Parade involving high officials, and various performances/festivities are involved, including dancers, choirs, speechs, floats, marching bands and a 21-gun salute.



For those who don’t attend the parade however, Independence Day is spent usually with family and friends, whether it be inside at homes and malls, or outside in the street parades and parks, as both students and government related workers usually have the day off.


-Patrick

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