Bolivia Independence Day Date: August 6
Bolivia celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.
The people of Bolivia celebrate the Bolivian Independence Day on the 6th day of August every year to commemorate the end of the Spanish dominion. The Spanish conquered Bolivia in the year 1524, and a counter offensive against the Spanish Empire was launched under the leadership of the Bolivian leader Simon Bolivar (after whom Bolivia is named) in the year, and achieved independence from the Spanish rule on August 8, 1925.
Bolivia Independence Day History
Bolivia then known as “Upper Peru”, was a Spanish colony under the Viceroy of Lima. Initially it was an Aymara civilization however subsequently it was invaded by the Inca and then finally by the Spanish in the year 1524. The Spanish ruled Bolivia with the help of some local government authorities coming from the Audiecia de Charcas located in Chuquisaca (modern Sucre), and they generally employed people of Bolivia (then upper Peru) to work in the silver mines they had acquired.
Bolivian silver was very popular and expensive and was the main source of revenue of the Spanish Empire. The people of Bolivia served as the greatest labor force of the Spanish Empire in this greatest source of revenue, however the people were treated like slaves due to which resentment grew against the Spanish slowly and gradually among the people of Upper Peru (Bolivia).
Plots against the empire couldn’t be made since they lacked a good leader, and the Spanish authority was very strong, which almost made the Spanish invincible. The people were waiting for a chance to launch a revolt against the unjust and cruel Spanish Rule and finally the time arrived.
Due to different “Napoleonic Wars”, the Spanish power weakened by the year 1776, due to this, the people under the leadership of Simon Bolivar taking advantage launched a struggle for independence on the year 1809, and finally gained independence from the Spanish empire 16 years after the launch of the freedom movement in the year 1925. After the independence from the Spanish, Bolivia was ruled by a series of dictators, who tried to unite all the three regions of the country including Altiplano, the central region and the eastern Andes region.
Bolivia Independence Day Traditions and Activities
Bolivian Independence Day is celebrated every year with great pomp and show on the 6th day of August every year. The events are generally based on the History, the culture and traditions of Bolivia and the events include patriotic parades through the streets, school functions, music and other forms of entertainment, and loud gun salutes. The functions are organized throughout the country, and musical and theater shows displaying history, the gain of independence, and patriotism are organized everywhere on the day.
The main attraction and the general custom of celebrations are the Military parades on the day, which is simply magnificent. The day is a national holiday of Bolivia locally known as Dia de la Patria. The celebrations continue for a full day especially on the capital city of Bolivia ‘La Pez.’
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