Argentina’s Independence Day

Basic Facts:

• Date of Declaration: July 9, 1816

• Location: Congress of Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, in northwestern Argentina

• Declared by: United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (the early name for Argentina)

• From Whom?: Spanish Empire

Historical Background:

Colonial Era:

• From the 1500s until the early 1800s, Argentina (then part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata) was a colony of the Spanish Empire.

• Spain's control weakened in the early 1800s due to Napoleon's invasion of Spain (1808) and internal political turmoil in Europe.

May Revolution (1810):

• On May 25, 1810, Argentine patriots ousted the Spanish viceroy in Buenos Aires.

• This May Revolution started a gradual process toward independence, but formal independence was not declared for six more years.

Congress of Tucumán (1816):

• On July 9, 1816, leaders from several provinces met in the city of Tucumán and declared full independence from Spain and any other foreign power.

• The declaration read: “...free and independent from King Ferdinand VII, his successors and the metropolis of Spain, and from any other foreign domination.”

1. The Road to Independence

May Revolution of 1810:

• Although July 9, 1816 is the official Independence Day, the journey began with the May Revolution on May 25, 1810 in Buenos Aires.

• The Viceroy (Spanish colonial ruler) was removed and replaced by a local government junta.

• However, this act was initially done in the name of the deposed Spanish king (Ferdinand VII), not total independence.

Years of Civil Struggle (1810–1816):

• The region faced political uncertainty, wars, and disagreements over central vs. federal governance.

• Some provinces (like Córdoba and Paraguay) resisted Buenos Aires' authority.

• During this period, leaders like Manuel Belgrano, José de San Martín, and Martín Miguel de Güemes fought against Spanish royalist forces.

2. The Congress of Tucumán (1816)

🏠 Why Tucumán?

• Buenos Aires was politically unstable and polarizing, so the congress was moved to San Miguel de Tucumán, a safer and more central location.

Key Figures:

• Juan Martín de Pueyrredón – Supreme Director of the United Provinces at the time.

• José de San Martín – Military leader advocating for full independence to support broader liberation movements in Chile and Peru.

• Francisco Narciso de Laprida – President of the Congress on the day of the declaration.

• Manuel Belgrano – Promoted the adoption of a constitutional monarchy under an Inca descendant to unite Indigenous support.

Declaration (July 9, 1816):

• The declaration was unanimously approved.

• It officially broke all ties with Spain and any other foreign authority.

• It was later translated into Quechua and Aymara to reach Indigenous populations.

3. International Context

Spain’s Weakness:

• Spain was facing Napoleonic invasions, losing grip over its colonies.

• The Spanish Empire was fighting wars on multiple fronts, giving independence movements in Latin America a strategic opportunity.

Global Influence:

• Inspired by other revolutions: American Revolution (1776) and French Revolution (1789).

• Argentina’s independence was part of the broader Latin American independence wave (Simón Bolívar in the north, San Martín in the south).

4. Aftermath & Legacy

Continued Conflict:

• Even after independence, internal civil wars raged for decades between unitarians (centralized government) and federalists (provincial autonomy).

• Spain didn’t officially recognize Argentina’s independence until 1863.

José de San Martín’s Campaign:

• Independence allowed General San Martín to launch his Andean Campaign, liberating Chile (1818) and Peru (1821) from Spanish rule.

National Symbols Emerge:

• Flag of Argentina was designed by Manuel Belgrano in 1812 (adopted officially later).

• The independence struggle solidified a sense of Argentine national identity.

5. Modern-Day Celebrations (July 9 Today)

In Tucumán:

• A reenactment of the 1816 signing takes place at the Casa Histórica de la Independencia.

• Citizens, students, and soldiers attend ceremonies dressed in 19th-century attire.

Across the Country:

• Flag-waving parades, folk dance, fireworks, and music.

• Patriotic food like:

  • Empanadas Tucumanas (beef turnovers)

  • Locro (corn and meat stew)

  • Humita (corn-based dish)

  • Pastelitos (sweet pastries)

Abroad:

• Celebrations in Argentine embassies and cultural centers around the world.

6. Key Takeaways

• Argentina’s Independence Day represents not just freedom from Spain, but also a milestone in Latin America’s broader emancipation.

• It’s a symbol of resistance, identity, and perseverance.

• The day is deeply rooted in popular memory, shaping the way Argentines see themselves and their place in history.

How Argentina Celebrates Independence Day:

National Ceremonies:

• The President of Argentina typically participates in official celebrations, often held at Casa Histórica de la Independencia (Historic House of Independence) in Tucumán.

• Government officials deliver patriotic speeches.

• A Te Deum mass (traditional religious service) is often held in Buenos Aires.

Cultural Events:

• Folk music, tango performances, and traditional dances (such as the zamba and malambo) are showcased.

• Schools, communities, and organizations display Argentine flags, host cultural events, and re-enact historical scenes.

Public Festivities:

• Fireworks, flag-waving, and street festivals are common.

• Traditional Argentine foods like empanadas, locro (a hearty stew), asado (barbecue), and dulce de leche desserts are served.

Casa Histórica de la Independencia (Tucumán):

• This is the historic building where independence was declared.

• It has been preserved as a national museum and holds great symbolic importance.

• People often visit or watch live broadcasts of the annual commemorations from this site.

Global Recognition:

• Argentine embassies and consulates around the world celebrate July 9 with flag-raising ceremonies, receptions, and cultural showcases.

• It is a moment of national pride for Argentines living abroad as well.

Did You Know?

• Argentina’s full official name at independence was:
  “Provincias Unidas del Río de la Plata” (United Provinces of the River Plate).

• The 1816 declaration also inspired other South American nations in their own struggles for independence from European colonial powers.