- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- CivicHistorical
- Where:
- Argentina
- Date change rule:
- Every June 17
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇦🇷
Miguel de Güemes Day commemorates Argentina’s national hero, Martín Miguel de Güemes, every June 17. This public holiday celebrates his crucial leadership in the War of Independence against Spanish royalists. Learn about his ‘Gaucho War’ tactics, visit historical sites, and reflect on his enduring legacy for Argentine sovereignty.
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History of Miguel de Guemes Day
Nearly 200 years after his passing, Argentinians decided to immortalize one of their own, who bravely fought for the nation’s freedom from Spanish colonists. The 19th-century military commander, Martín Miguel de Güemes, has been celebrated in Argentina, and particularly in his hometown of Salta, since 2006. Typical of Argentinians, known for enthusiastically expressing their emotions for their national figures, the day sees a lot of them coming out in their thousands to join the procession of Gauchos, depicting Güemes’ soldiers.
After the Argentine Revolution against the Royalist Peru and their loyalists, Güemes joined the military and was assigned to an army unit, which he eventually commandeered and fought against the Spanish with. Charged with defending the northwestern region of the nation, where his hometown of Salta was located, Güemes made sure that no Spanish forces succeeded in taking his hometown. He was appointed the governor of Salta in 1915, until those who were loyal to the royalists, connived and rebelled against him.
Military-wise, Güemes is credited with weakening the Spanish army on his front — an achievement that gave his superiors at Buenos Aires the time they needed to organize a large troop that fought and won battles in Chile and Peru. In 1820, Argentinian military warlords and royalists began to exploit each other’s weaknesses. The governor of Tucumán in the north struck a deal with landowners in Salta. With their help, Güemes was ousted from power and forced to flee. While escaping, he was shot in the back but managed to make it to his military camp, where he died 10 days later. Motivated by his last words, his soldiers retook Salta from the royalists exactly one month after his death. The choice of June 17 as Miguel de Güemes Day is because the hero died on that day.
Miguel de Guemes Day timeline
Güemes is born in his hometown of Salta.
The young man starts his military career by taking part in the defense of Buenos Aires against the British.
Güemes joins the army unit that would later fight Spanish troops in Upper Peru.
Güemes retakes Humahuaca from the royalist Marshal Jose de La Serna.
Güemes dies after suffering a fatal shot to the back while fleeing.
Miguel de Guemes Day FAQs
When is Miguel de Guemes Day?
Miguel de Güemes Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, June 17. This public holiday in Argentina honors the military leader Martín Miguel de Güemes, a pivotal figure in the country’s independence.
Who was Martín Miguel de Güemes?
Martín Miguel de Güemes (1785–1821) was an Argentine general who led the ‘Gaucho War’ to defend the northern frontier against Spanish royalists during the War of Independence. His innovative guerrilla tactics were instrumental in securing the nation’s freedom.
Is Miguel de Güemes Day a national holiday in Argentina?
Yes, Miguel de Güemes Day is a national public holiday in Argentina, observed every June 17. It was declared a national holiday in 2016, recognizing his immense contributions to the country’s independence.
What was the 'Gaucho War'?
The ‘Gaucho War’ was a prolonged guerrilla conflict (1814–1821) led by Martín Miguel de Güemes and his gaucho militias. They employed hit-and-run tactics to wear down and repel Spanish royalist invasions from the north, effectively protecting Argentina’s nascent independence.
How to Observe Miguel de Guemes Day
Commemorate him
The best way to celebrate this day is to commemorate the life of the Güemes. This can be done in any way that one feels like.
Recount his story
Today is a good opportunity to learn the story behind the brave Güemes. Observe the Day by retracing his history from birth to death.
Organize exhibitions depicting Güemes' life
Whether it’s a military parade, a short play about the battles, or a simple procession, organize an event that showcases the life of the hero. Hang posters and Argentinian flags.
5 Interesting Facts About Argentina
Home to southern hemisphere extremes
Mount Aconcagua and Laguna del Carbon — both in Argentina — are, respectively, the highest and lowest points in the southern hemisphere.
Shocking cow population
Alongside four other countries, the number of cows in the country exceeds that of people — a feature that makes Argentina the nation with the best steak in the world.
Pioneer of animated films
”El Apóstol,” produced in Argentina, is the first animated feature film to be produced in the world.
Reverence for football
Argentinians love football and their domestic legends such as Diego Armando Maradona, who has a church and religion dedicated to him — The Iglesia Maradoniana.
A special exception
There is a ban on naming a child ”Messi” in Rosario, Argentina.
Why Miguel de Guemes Day is Important
It celebrates a national hero
The holiday honors the achievements and life of a national hero, immortalizing him. Every Argentinian celebrates the memory of Miguel de Güemes.
It reminds us of historical moments
The day reminds us of some of the most important moments in the struggles of Argentina for freedom and stability. Remembering Miguel de Güemes’ legacy is central to this.
It makes Argentinians proud
Argentinians, especially Saltans, feel super-proud on this day. The day commemorates and celebrates an iconic son of the land, who fought for the country's liberation from colonialism.
