José Celso Barbosa’s Birthday in Puerto Rico ― Date, History, and Details
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History of José Celso Barbosa’s Birthday in Puerto Rico and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
José Celso Barbosa was born on July 27, 1857 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He was the son of a wealthy family of Catalan descent. His father, José María Barbosa, was a successful businessman who owned a sugar plantation. His mother, María Josefa Fajardo, was a homemaker.
José Celso Barbosa was educated at home by tutors and then sent to study in Spain. He returned to Puerto Rico in 1874 and enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico, where he studied medicine. He graduated with honors in 1880.
After graduation, José Celso Barbosa moved to New York City, where he worked as a doctor. He also became involved in the independence movement for Puerto Rico. In 1894, he returned to Puerto Rico and founded the newspaper El Combate, which advocated for Puerto Rican independence.
In 1898, the Spanish Empire collapsed and Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States. José Celso Barbosa played a key role in the creation of the new Puerto Rican flag and the establishment of the island’s first political party, the Unionist Party.
He also helped draft the constitution of the new Puerto Rican government. In 1900, he was elected to the Puerto Rican House of Representatives. He served as Speaker of the House from 1902 to 1903.
In 1904, José Celso Barbosa ran for governor of Puerto Rico but was defeated. He continued to serve in the House of Representatives until 1909. He then returned to his medical practice.
José Celso Barbosa died on September 21, 1921. He is considered one of the most important figures in Puerto Rican history.