The Fourth of July is Independence Day for the United States, and although many of our Hispanic readers celebrate this day with a barbeque, you surely also think about the Independence Day celebrations of your country.
In most of the countries in Latin America, the fight for independence began with a revolution. The Creoles, people of Spanish descent born in the Americas, were unhappy that they had little to no political influence under Spain. Also, the United States had already gained their independence and France was in revolution. Ideas about liberation started to strengthen and confidence to revolt grew, which caused Latin American countries to rise up against Spain.
Colombia – Confrontation Over a Vase
Colombia was one of the first countries to declare their independence from Spain. On July 20, 1810 in a market, Luis Rubio asked a Spanish flower merchant named José González Llorente if he could borrow a vase for his home before receiving a visit from the royal commissioner Antonio Villacencio.
Llorente refused to lend him the vase for the celebration, which provoked a confrontation between Creoles and Spaniards that ultimately gained Colombia their independence. You can read more in this blog.
Mexico – A Cry for Independence
Mexico declared their independence just months after Colombia on September 16, 1810. However, in this case there was not a specific trigger. The Creole priest Miguel de Hidalgo pulled together the city of Dolores, in the state of Guanajuato, to take to the streets and proclaim the independence of Mexico from Spain.
This event is known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores). Since that day, Mexican Independence Day is celebrated by going out into the streets on the night of September 15 and greeting the 16th with the Cry of Dolores. To learn more about Mexico celebrates their independence, check out this article.
Argentina – A May Revolution
In Argentina, the first steps toward independence happened as a result of a crisis in the local government. After overthrowing the viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo of Cisneros, the first meeting of the United Provinces of Río de Plata occurred. These provinces later became known as Argentina.
This revolutionary patriotic movement lit the path to independence, which was officially granted on July 9, 1816. You can read more about Argentina’s independence celebrations here.
El Salvador – A Union with Central America
The independence of El Salvador is linked to the independence of neighboring countries Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras. The Creoles from El Salvador failed twice in attempts to rebel; the first on November 5, 1811 and the second on January 24, 1814.
But their efforts for independence did not stop there, and when they received the news that Mexico officially declared their independence from Spain, representatives from the Central American provinces met in Guatemala to declare their independence and create a provisional governmental assembly. Read this article to learn more.
Cuba – Gaining Independence in the 20th Century
Cuba was the last of all the Latin American countries to gain their independence. The first war cry in Cuba happened in 1868 and lasted for a decade until 1878 when the Pact of Zanjón was signed. Among other things, this pact freed Cuban slaves and allowed any Cuban person to leave the island.
After a calm period, a second fight for independence began in 1895 led by José Martí, in partnership with Puerto Rico. The United States got involved in the war against Spain because of interests in the production of sugar and defeated the Spanish army. After their defeat, they gave up the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico to the U.S. However, Cuba declared their independence from the United States in 1902. Read more here.
In all of the countries in the Americas, Independence Day is a day to celebrate with friends and family. From Infinity, we hope that you enjoy your holiday. Get a free quote today or call us at 1-800-INFINITY!