When is Bolivian Independence Day?
Independence is a public holiday in Bolivia on August 6th. If August 6th falls on a weekend, a public holiday is usually observed on an alternative weekday.
Known in Spanish as 'Dia de la Patria', this is Bolivia's National Day and marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence on August 6th 1825.
History of Bolivian Independence Day
The area now known as Bolivia came under Spanish colonial rule in the middle of the sixteenth century and was known as Charcas. Initially, the desire for self-governance was driven by concerns about the ability of Spain to rule the region when it was under attack from France under Napoleon Bonaparte during the Peninsular War. Those who wanted self-governance still felt an allegiance to the King of Spain.
Did you know?
Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of 12,507 ft (3,812 m), is the highest commercially navigable body of water in the world.
On May 25th 1809, the Chuquisaca (modern-day Sucre) Revolution was the first popular uprising in Latin America and is known in Bolivia as 'Primer grito libertario' (the first shout of freedom). This led to the Bolivian War of Independence which would last for 16 years. Eventually, the Colonial forces were defeated and Bolivian independence was proclaimed on August 6th 1825.
To honour the role of the Venezuelan resistance leader Simón Bolívar in leading the fight for independence, Charcas was renamed Bolivia. Interestingly it is said that when deciding what path Charcas should take after independence from Spain, Bolívar favoured a union with Peru and that naming Bolivia after him was a way to get him to accept creating a newly independent country.
Did you know?
Bolivia's capital, La Paz, is the second-highest city in the world.
Bolivia’s flag features its coat of arms emblazoned on three horizontal bands of red, yellow, and green, representing the nation's fight for independence, vast mineral resources, and wealth of agriculture and landscapes, respectively.
The coat of arms further symbolizes Bolivia’s natural landscape with a depiction of the sun rising adjacent to Mount Potosi, the peak that towers over La Paz.
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia, Bolivia!
