Birthday of Dr. José Celso Barbosa

The Birthday of Dr. José Celso Barbosa is a significant holiday in Puerto Rico, celebrated annually on July 27th. Dr. José Celso Barbosa, born in 1857, was a prominent Puerto Rican physician, sociologist, and political leader. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Statehood Movement" in Puerto Rico due to his advocacy for the island's integration as a state of the United States. Barbosa was also a trailblazer in education and public health, becoming the first Puerto Rican to earn a medical degree in the United States. He founded the Republican Party of Puerto Rico and was a key figure in shaping the island's political landscape. His contributions to Puerto Rican society, particularly in the realms of healthcare, education, and civil rights, are widely celebrated. On this day, Puerto Ricans honor his legacy through various events, including educational programs, community gatherings, and public ceremonies. The holiday serves as a reminder of Barbosa's enduring impact on Puerto Rico's history and his vision for the island's future.