When did the Ninoy Aquino Day start?
About Ninoy Aquino Day Holiday
Noynoy Aquino Day is a holiday in the Philippines, celebrated annually on August 21st. It commemorates the life of Ninoy Aquino; a Filipino politician, journalist, and leader of the democracy movement. It is an official public holiday, recognised by Philippine government, and was first celebrated in 2006.
This holiday serves as a tribute to Aquino who was a vocal critic of the Marcos Regime and was assassinated while returning to the Philippines in 1983. Despite oppression by the regime, Aquino spoke out for democracy and freedom freely, inspiring many. To honour his courage, many citizens recognize him during this holiday by wearing yellow, which was his favorite colour, and national flags are flown half-mast as a sign of mourning. Crowds of people come out to pay respects to his memory through celebrations, prayers and speeches.
Ninoy Aquino Day: Celebrating a Filipino Hero and Political Icon
Every August 21, millions of Filipinos around the world celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day (NAD). This holiday honors the life and legacy of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. – one of the most prominent political figures in modern Filipino history. By remembering and commemorating the contributions Ninoy made, Filipinos honor and commemorate the great man and his unending struggle against the oppressive Marcos regime.
Who Was Ninoy Aquino?
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. was a Filipino political figure and renowned journalist, writer, and activist born in 1932 in the Philippine province of Tarlac. After attending law school at the University of the Philippines, he began an active role in the opposition to Ferdinand Marcos. He was part of the democratic civil opposition to the Marcos dictatorship, and strongly fought for the restoration of freedom and paid for it with his life.
In 1972, Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines, giving him extraordinary control over the public and authority to rule without limitation. Ninoy Aquino became the voice of dissent against the oppressive regime and was arrested and convicted for inciting resistance. Despite being held in solitary confinement for eight years, Ninoy refused to collaborate with the Marcos government and continued to speak vehemently against the oppressive dictatorship.
The Legacy of Ninoy Aquino
Upon his release from prison, Ninoy Aquino left his homeland and fled to the United States, where he continued to fight for the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. He announced his official return to the Philippines in 1983 and was immediately arrested and taken into custody upon his arrival in Manila. On August 21, 1983, Ninoy Aquino was fatally shot while disembarking from a plane at the Manila International Airport.
After his death, Ninoy Aquino became a symbol of hope and resistance for those living under oppressive regimes. He was revered for his bravery and courage, and his story has become a source of inspiration and motivation.
Celebrating Ninoy Aquino Day
In the Philippines, Ninoy Aquino Day is a national holiday celebrated every August 21. Filipinos commemorate the day with prayer services, wreath offerings, and other symbolic acts. Events are held to commemorate the contributions of Ninoy Aquino and his un-ending struggle against the Marcos dictatorship.
In addition to the Philippines, Ninoy Aquino Day is also observed in many other countries around the world. In the United States, Filipino and Filipino-American communities hold memorial services, educational forums, and other events to commemorate Ninoy Aquino and his legacy.
Learn More About Ninoy Aquino’s Legacy
NAD is a meaningful opportunity for Filipinos to remember Ninoy Aquino and his lifelong fight for democracy. It is a chance to reflect on the importance of courage and standing up for what you believe in. So, join Filipinos in the United States and around the world to celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day and continue to share his legacy.
How to Say "Ninoy Aquino Day" In Different Languages?
- Bemba
- Iyo Neley Aquino Lomwe (bem-ZM)
- Chinese
- 尼诺·阿基诺日 (zh-CN)
- English
- Ninoy Aquino Day (en-US)
- Filipino
- Araw ni Ninoy Aquino (tl-PH)
- French
- Jour de Ninoy Aquino (fr-FR)
- German
- Tag von Ninoy Aquino (de-DE)
- Greek
- Ημέρα Νίνου Ακίνο (el-GR)
- Hindi
- निनोइ अकिनो दिवस (hi-IN)
- Indonesian
- Hari Ninoy Aquino (id-ID)
- Italian
- Giorno di Ninoy Aquino (it-IT)
- Japanese
- ニノイ·アキノの日 (ja-JP)
- Korean
- 니노이 아키노 일 (ko-KR)
- Polish
- Dzień Ninoy Aquino (pl-PL)
- Portuguese
- Dia de Ninoy Aquino (pt-PT)
- Russian
- День Ниноу Акино (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Día de Ninoy Aquino (es-ES)
- Thai
- วันนิโนยาอากีโน (th-TH)
- Turkish
- Ninoy Aquino Günü (tr-TR)
- Vietnamese
- Ngày Ninoy Aquino (vi-VN)
Ninoy Aquino Day Also Called
Ninoy Aquino Day is also referred to as Benigno Aquino, Jr. Day, or simply Ninoy Aquino Day of Remembrance.Countries where "Ninoy Aquino Day" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1993, Ninoy Aquino Day is celebrated on August 21 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!

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