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May Revolution Day – May 25, 2024

May Revolution Day, or Dia de la Revolución de Mayo, is celebrated annually in Argentina on May 25. The national holiday commemorates Argentina’s revolution and the establishment of a self-governing administration on May 25, 1810. The holiday is also known as Revolution Day and National Day. Spanish interaction with Argentina began with the immigration of Spaniards and the establishment of Spanish settlements in the 16th century. However, Spain’s colonization of Argentina officially began in 1776 when the Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata was founded. The revolution resulted in the establishment of Argentina’s first independent government on May 25, 1810.

History of May Revolution Day

During the 16th century, Spanish immigrants began populating Argentina, forming settlements and intermarrying with non-Spaniards. However, it was in 1580 that Spain established a permanent colony on the site of Buenos Aires. Then, in 1776, King Charles III of Spain established the Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata, with Buenos Aires as the capital. Thus, Spain appointed a Spanish viceroy over the country, a move that upset local Argentines.

Several events within and outside the country acted as catalysts for the Revolution, one of such events being the British invasion of Buenos Aires in 1806. When Spanish viceroy Rafael de Sobremonte fled the city to avoid capture, the people appointed a new viceroy, the French Santiago de Liniers, who liberated the city from the British in 1806 and again in 1807. In 1809, Spain managed to appoint a new viceroy to replace Liniers through the Junta of Seville.

However, when Argentines discovered the Junta of Seville had dissolved itself after Seville had been captured by France, the Revolution was sparked. Between May 18 and May 25, a week now known as May Week, Argentina’s First National Government and the Primera Junta were formed on May 25, 1810. The Spanish viceroy, Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros, was forced to resign. Overall, the revolution was largely peaceful, though it led to the Argentine War of Independence.

On May Revolution Day, church services are held, and government representatives address the people during national festivities. Stage plays are conducted at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, too. Many transportation services are made available at no cost to enable people to participate in the celebrations.

May Revolution Day timeline

1580
Spain Creates a Colony

Spain establishes a permanent colony on the site of Buenos Aires.

1776
The Viceroyalty is Established

King Charles III of Spain establishes the Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata, with Buenos Aires as the capital.

1806
Britain Invades the Capital

Britain invades and occupies Buenos Aires, Argentina.

1810
Argentina’s National Government is Formed

Argentina’s First National Government and the Primera Junta are formed after the May Revolution.

May Revolution Day FAQs

Is Argentina a democratic country?

Yes. Argentina is a democratic country.

What is Argentina mainly known for?

Argentina is popular for its lovely wines, natural beauty, soccer, and love for Tango.

Who is the president of Argentina?

The current president of Argentina is Alberto Fernandez.

How to Observe May Revolution Day

  1. Participate

    There’s more than one way to participate in the May Revolution Day festivities. If you can’t make it physically to Argentina, take advantage of online platforms and see how Argentines are celebrating.

  2. Celebrate

    May Revolution Day is a day of rejoicing. Join other Argentines around the world in commemorating this special day by sending an online message of goodwill, posting a picture of the Argentine flag, and learning more about the fascinating country.

  3. Share

    Share all you’ve learned with others. Post a link to this article online and let others know what May Revolution Day truly means.

5 Other Countries Colonized By Spain

  1. Mexico

    Mexico was colonized by Spain in 1521 and gained independence on September 27, 1821.

  2. The Philippines

    Spain colonized the Philippines in the late 1500s but was ousted in 1898.

  3. Venezuela

    Venezuela was colonized by Spain in 1522 and declared its independence on July 5, 1811.

  4. El Salvador

    El Salvador was colonized by Spain in 1524 and gained independence in 1821, along with other Central American provinces.

  5. The Netherlands

    Spain colonized the Netherlands from 1556 to 1714.

Why May Revolution Day is Important

  1. The revolution was largely peaceful

    The word ‘revolution’ is often associated with violence and mayhem. Argentina avoided the status quo as its revolution was marked by peaceful demonstrations and deliberations for the most part. At the time, this was almost unheard of.

  2. Argentina has a large economy

    Despite all the long years of war, Argentina is attempting to bounce back. The country has one of the largest economies in all of Latin America.

  3. Argentina is peaceful

    On the Global Peace Index, Argentina ranks 5th in Latin America. In Argentina, the right to peaceful assembly is largely respected.

May Revolution Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 25Saturday
2025May 25Sunday
2026May 25Monday
2027May 25Tuesday
2028May 25Thursday

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