Uruguay’s Landing of the 33 Patriots: April 19
Landing of the 33 Patriots is a public holiday in Uruguay.
Uruguay’s Landing of the 33 Patriots is an annual celebration on April 19 which commemorates the lives of Thirty-Three Orientals whose lives and bravery paved the way for the country’s independence on August 25, 1825.
Uruguay is located in the Southeastern part of South America. The majority of the country’s line of descent is European particularly Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
History of Uruguay’s Landing of the 33 Patriots
The control of Uruguay was jostled between Portuguese and the Spanish Empires. Both empires landed and took control on some portions of the country with Spain controlling parts of Soriano (Río Negro) in the early half of the 17th century (1669–71) and Montevideo in the 18th century and Portugal at Colonia del Sacramento in the latter half of 1700s.
Later, in the early 19th century, the region has become a battle ground between the military forces of Britain, Spain, and Portugal in their effort to exert influence and control in the region encompassing Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
José Gervasio Artigas became the country’s hero during a revolt he initiated against the government of Spain in the Battle of Las Piedras on May 18, 1811. Uruguay’s growing political stability towards republicanism made Portugal quite uneasy as it will mean losing stronghold on the areas where the latter exerts full influence. It launched an attack against the forces of Artigas, the Liga Federal (Federal League), in August 1816. Because of modern military machineries employed by Portugal in the Battle of Tacuarembó against Artigas’ forces, the latter was immediately defeated.
Five years later, Brazil occupied Uruguay and considered it as its province (Província Cisplatina). Resistance continued until Juan Antonio Lavalleja of Thirty-Three Orientals declared independence from foreign rule on August 25, 1825. The thirty-three self-exile forces led by Juan Antonio Llavaleja fought side-by-side with Artigas’ forces to liberate the country from the Brazil’s control.
The declaration of Uruguay’s independence was backed up by the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (present-day Argentina).
A year-and-a-half war happened between Brazil and Argentina (500-day Argentina-Brazil War). It only ended when the Treaty of Montevideo was signed in 1828 allowing Uruguay to establish itself as an independent state. The Treaty of Montevideo was drafted by the United Kingdom. Two years later, Uruguay established and signed its first constitution (July 18, 1830). Even so, civil wars continued from 1839–1852 (Guerra Grande).
Uruguay’s Landing of the 33 Patriots: Traditions, Customs and Activities
The celebration of the Landing of the 33 Patriots coincides with the celebration of the country’s National Independence Day on August 25 so it’s not surprising that the kind of celebration is the same as the latter. Laying of wreath and speeches remembering and honoring those who led the revolt against the Brazilians are held on the holiday. Uruguayan working class consider this day as a rest day.
Other interesting posts:
- Uruguay celebrates Independence Day
- Ethiopian Patriots’ Victory Day
- Uruguay Constitution Day
- Uruguay celebrates Battle of Las Piedras Day
- Uruguay Remembers Jose Gervasio Artigas Arnal
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