Argentine National Day

Argentine National Day

May 25

Argentina was one of a number of Spanish colonies controlled by the Spanish viceroy in Lima, Peru. When the colonies became too large to be controlled from one site, a separate viceroyalty was formed in 1776, with its headquarters in Buenos Aires.
On May 25, 1810, Buenos Aires declared its independence from the viceroyalty but continued to pledge loyalty to the Spanish crown. May 25 is observed throughout the country as the anniversary of the revolution. Independence from Spain wasn't declared until July 9, 1816—an event that provoked a long series of civil wars in which rival political leaders fought for national control. Both days are national holidays and are observed with religious services at the cathedral and special performances at the Colón Theatre in Buenos Aires. The city's Plaza de Mayo (May Square) was named for the month in which independence was declared.
The Argentine flag is honored with a legal holiday on June 20, Argentine Flag Day .

CONTACTS:
Embassy of Argentina
1600 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-238-6400; fax: 202-332-3171
www.embassyofargentina.us

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, pp. 87, 114

Celebration day: May 25