Boqueron Battle Victory Day
Boquerón Battle Victory Day is a public holiday that falls on September 29th every year in the Republic of Paraguay. The purpose of this holiday is to commemorate the first battle of the Chaco War—a conflict that occurred between the Bolivian and Paraguayan armies around and in the stronghold of Boquerón.
Paraguay (National holiday)This battle was the first major battle of the Chaco War that occurred between September 7th and lasted until September 29th in 1932. It is only one of two public holidays that celebrate battles in the Chaco War. The second holiday occurs in June and celebrates the end of this war. Both holidays in Paraguay are observed enthusiastically.
The History of Boquerón Battle Victory Day in Paraguay
The Chaco Boreal is a lowland plain that is now occupied by parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. During the 19th century and beyond, this area saw increased tensions between Paraguay and Bolivia over their control of this region.
This is because the area was seen as important to the strategic interests of both countries. When it was determined that oil might also exist in this region, tensions rose even more, resulting in oil companies choosing sides in the dispute. Standard Oil supported Bolivia, while Royal Dutch Shell backed Paraguay.
On September 7th, 1932, the Chaco War began when an assault was made on the Bolivian stronghold of Boquerón by Paraguayan forces. This assault quickly turned into a siege, and Boquerón lasted over three weeks before it fell.
Although this battle was a significant win for Paraguay, the war would drag on for another three years until a ceasefire was negotiated in June of 1935. The border war remained a conflict until 2009 when the presidents of Paraguay and Bolivia signed an agreement settling the border dispute.
Observing Boquerón Battle Victory Day in Paraguay
This holiday is observed with parades, dances, concerts, and other festivities. Because it’s a national holiday, government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and it’s a day off for the general population.
Paraguay (National holiday)
