Commemoration Of General Don Martín Miguel De Güemes
In Argentina, the 17th of June is observed as a public holiday. This public holiday is known as the Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes, or simply as Martín Miguel de Güemes Day.
Argentina (National holiday)As the name of this holiday clearly states, it celebrates the 19th-century military leader who repelled Spanish attacks and helped the revolutionary government become established in Buenos Aires. This day is observed on the date of his death in 1821.
Because this is a public holiday, it’s a day off for the general public, and schools, government offices, and businesses are closed. This allows citizens to attend official events or to spend time with their families.
The History of the Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes
On February 8th, 1785, Martín Miguel de Güemes was born in Salta, Argentina. In 1810, he was given command of a guerrilla force of gauchos after the May Revolution, and that force would eventually become known as the Gauchos of de Güemes.
At the beginning of the war of independence, they were tasked with defending Argentina’s northwestern areas against Spanish invasions.
In November of 1810, de Güemes earned an important military victory at the Battle of Suipacha. He continued to be successful in repelling Spanish attacks, which helped the revolutionary government to become well-established in Buenos Aires.
It also gave General José de San Martín the breathing room he needed to raise his Army of the Andes. This army would march to decisive victories in Chile and Peru. On June 17th, 1821, Martín Miguel de Güemes died after being shot in the back 10 days prior.
He would become known as the Hero of the Gauchos, and the 17th of June would be made into a day honoring him.
Facts About Argentina
Let’s take a quick look at some facts about Argentina that some of our readers may not know about. We have assembled the following facts so that everyone can enjoy them and learn a little bit more about this country and this holiday.
- Yerba Mate is the national drink of Argentina.
- Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, translates to “Fair Winds” in English.
- According to a 2020 survey, approximately 109.56 pounds of beef are consumed per capita per year in this country.
Observing the Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes
On this day, the Province of Salta honors the General with flower wreaths, political speeches, and music. There are also events all across Argentina for de Güemes that include festivals, parades, and parties. It’s a day off for the general public, and it’s a day when government offices and many businesses are closed.
Argentina (National holiday)
