Rizal Park

Lore & Background

Rizal Park's history began in 1820 when the Paseo de Luneta was completed on a marshy patch of land south of the walls of Manila. The area was previously the town of Bagumbayan, cleared after the British occupation from 1762 to 1764. During the Spanish period, the site became notorious for public executions, including that of Filipino patriot José Rizal on December 30, 1896, and the Gomburza priests in 1872. The park was later named in Rizal's honor, and the monument enshrining his remains serves as its focal point. During the American colonial period, the Rizal Monument was built and inaugurated on December 30, 1913. The park was also envisioned as a national government center by architect Daniel Burnham, though only two buildings were completed before World War II. The site was declared a national park in 1955 and renamed Rizal Park in 1967. It has hosted the inauguration of the Third Philippine Republic in 1946, the 1998 Philippine Centennial, and major political demonstrations, including those leading to the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Reader's Guide

Rizal Park, Luneta, is a landmark of Philippine national identity. Its significance stems from being the execution site of José Rizal, whose martyrdom galvanized the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The park later witnessed the formal recognition of Philippine independence by the United States on July 4, 1946, and served as a stage for the People Power Revolution in 1986, which ended the rule of Ferdinand Marcos. The park's Rizal Monument remains a symbol of Filipino patriotism. Over the centuries, the site evolved from a Spanish-era execution ground to a venue for cultural events, political rallies, and national celebrations. Its Chinese and Japanese Gardens, added during Marcos' administration, reflect international ties. The park's management by the National Parks Development Committee has overseen renovations, including restoration of the musical dancing fountain in 2011. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the park was temporarily closed and later housed a field hospital. Rizal Park continues to be a central public space for commemoration and civic life in Manila.

Did You Know?

• The area now occupied by the park was known as Bagumbayan during the Spanish colonial period.
• The execution of José Rizal on December 30, 1896, at the site helped galvanize support for the Philippine Revolution.
• The park was the site of the inauguration of the Third Philippine Republic on July 4, 1946.
• In December 2021, the National Parks Development Committee adopted the branding 'Rizal Park, Luneta' to distinguish it from other locations bearing the name 'Rizal Park'.