20 de Julio
by Rudy Arizala
Today is 20th of July. Those who are curious to know or wondering why there is such a street in Infanta, Quezon called "20 de Julio," they would be surprised that it has historical origin or significance.
It is the "liberation day" of the people and town of Infanta from the Spanish regime during the "Katipunan revolution" which started in August 1896.
A group of "Katipuneros" laid siege on the town´s stone convent where some Spanish soldiers decided to make a land stand. After almost a month, hungry, weak and some sickly, the Spanish soldiers finally surrendered to the local "Katipuneros."
The day when the Spanish contingent in Infanta surrendered was on 20 July.
And in case one would be wondering why there is a street named "Plaridel" traversing 20 de Julio street, said name is in honor of Marcelo H. De Pilar, one of the propagandists of the Philippine Revolution who founded the newspaper "La Solidaridad." To avoid detection of his true identity by the Spanish authorities, del Pilar assumed the name of "Plaridel" while Rizal assumed the name of "Dimasalang."
Before, we used to celebrate the town fiesta of Infanta on the 20th of July, while the Catholic church in Infanta celebrates the feast of St. Mark on 25th April. However, as expression of unity and cooperation, the Catholic church and the municipal officials decided to celebrate only one town fiesta, that is on 25th of April. However, it does not mean that we do not give anymore importance to the day of Infanta´s liberation from the Spanish regime in our town. 20 de Julio street is a living testimony of such historic importance.