Jose Rizal’s Death in Luneta (The Last Hours of the Filipino Hero)
What happened some hours before Jose Rizal’s death were outlined by textbook author Jensen DG. Mañebog. This article about Rizal’s death forms part of his well-read lecture, Jose Rizal’s Last 25 Hours: Eventful, Dramatic, Historic.
Jose Rizal death date
Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, just about 35 years before that fateful day, December 30, 1896 (the Jose Rizal’s death date).
In the Gregorian calendar,December 30, 1896 is the 365th day of the year 1896. There was just one day that separated this day and the year 1897.
The ‘Jose Rizal death date’ was a Wednesday, the day of the week that is called Miércoles in Spanish, the language of those who ordered Jose Rizal’s death or execution.
(For Jose Rizal’s trial, read: Jose Rizal: Short Biography of the Filipino Hero. For Jose Rizal’s exile in Dapitan, read: Bonifacio Sends Valenzuela to Rizal in Dapitan)
Hours before the death of Rizal
At 6:30 a.m. of December 30, 1896, Jose Rizal—who was in black suit and black bowler hat, tied elbow to elbow—began his slow walk to Bagumbayan.
He walked along with his defense lawyer, Andrade, and two Jesuit priests, March and Vilaclara. In front of them were the advance guard of armed soldiers and behind them were another group of military men.
The sound of a trumpet signaled the start of Jose Rizal’s death march and the muffled sound of drums served as the musical score of the walk.
Many had eagerly lined the streets early in that morning. Some were sympathetic to him, others—especially the Spaniards—wanted nothing less than to see him die.
There were those who observed that Rizal kept keenly looking around and “it was believed that his family or the Katipuneros would make a last-minute effort to spring him from the trap.” (Ocampo, 2012, p. 228)
Read: The Interesting Tales of the Jose Rizal Family
Every now and then, Rizal conversed with the priests, commenting on things like his happy years in the Ateneo as they passed by Intramuros. Commenting on the clear morning, he was said to have uttered something like:
“What a beautiful morning! On days like this, I used to talk a walk here with my sweetheart.” (Ocampo, 2012, p. 228)
Read: The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal by Jensen DG. Mañebog
A few minutes after, they arrived at the historic venue of execution. Filipino soldiers were deliberately chosen to compose the firing squad. Behind them stood their Spanish counterparts, ready to execute them also should they decline to do the job.
But there was just a glitch in the proceeding—Jose Rizal refused to kneel and declined the traditional blindfold. Maintaining that he was not a traitor to his country and to Spain, he even requested to face the firing squad.
Read: Jose Rizal: The First Filipino Phenom
Nonetheless, Rizal finally agreed to turn his back to the firing squad after some sweet-talk, on the condition that he would be shot not in the head—but in the small of the back instead.
Jose Rizal’s Death
After agreement had been reached, Jose Rizal thankfully shook the hand of his defense lawyer. The military physician then asked permission to feel the pulse of the man who had only a few minutes to live.
So the inquisitive doctor was startled to find Rizal’s pulse normal. Before leaving Rizal in his appointed place, the priests offered him a crucifix to kiss “but he turned his head away and silently prepared for his death” (Ocampo, 2012, p. 228). (For details, read: The Death of Jose Rizal: Ambeth Ocampo’s version)
And when the command had been given, the executioners’ long guns barked at once. Rizal yelled Christ’s two last words “Consummatum est!” (It is finished!) as he simultaneously exerted a final effort to twist his bullet-pierced body halfway around.
Facing the sky, Jose Rizal fell on the ground dead at exactly 7:03 in the morning of December 30, 1896. (Read also: What happened to Josephine Bracken When Jose Rizal Died?)
Jose Rizal’s death anniversary
But since then, Jose Rizal has lived perpetually in the hearts and minds of true Filipinos. December 30 has become a very special and important date in the Philippines. Every December 30, Filipinos lovingly commemorate the martyrdom of their national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
Read: Jose Rizal’s Collaborations with Other Heroes
Copyright © by MyInfoBasket.com & Jensen DG. Mañebog
Note: Teachers may share this as a reading assignment of their students.
For other free lectures like this (especially for students), visit Homepage: The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
Related: The Colorful Love Affairs of Dr. Jose Rizal
Free Lectures for The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Subject
Republic Act 1425 Rizal Law (Its History and Important Provisions)
Rizal’s Childhood (Jose Rizal’s Childhood Days Summary)
Rizal Early Education (and Jose Rizal Educational Background)
Why study the life and works of Rizal?
The Importance of the Jose Rizal Subject
Jose Rizal Family Tree: The Ancestry of the Hero
Jose Rizal’s Love for Francisco Mercado Rizal, His Father
Jose Rizal’s Love for Teodora Alonzo, His Mother
Jose Rizal’s Siblings: How His Brother and Sisters Affected the Life of the Filipino Hero
Jose Rizal’s Parents: How Don Francisco Mercado and Doña Teodora Alonso made him a hero