Flag Day in Argentina
Flag Day is a national holiday in Argentina that is dedicated to the country’s flag and commemorates its creator, Manuel Belgrano. This holiday is observed annually on June 20th, the date when Belgrano passed away in 1820.
Argentina (National holiday)In Argentina, this holiday has been celebrated since the late 1930s. Most of the country’s Flag Day celebrations are centered around the National Flag Memorial, located in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, but there are, of course, smaller celebrations held throughout Argentina.
The History of Flag Day in Argentina
The flag that this holiday commemorates was created in 1812. It started out as a triband with three equal horizontal bands: two light blue bands sandwiching a white band in the middle. In 1818, a new design element was added—the Sun of May. Nowadays, both versions are used: the one with the sun is the ceremonial flag, and the one without is the ornamental flag.
This holiday was first established by law on June 8, 1938. When it was first established, it was celebrated on the third Monday in June, but in 2011, it was changed to a fixed holiday observed on June 20th.
Some Fun Argentine Flag Facts
Let’s go over some interesting facts about the Argentine flag that we learned while researching Flag Day.
- General Manuel Belgrano designed the flag during the country’s battle for independence.
- The ”Sun of May” on the flag symbolizes the May Revolution, which sparked Argentina’s fight for independence.
- The Sun of May is also a representation of the Incan sun god Inti.
Observing Flag Day in Argentina
As previously stated, the major focus of this holiday is the Flag Day ceremonies in Rosario on this day, but there are other celebrations all over the country as well. People also take the time to hoist the Argentine flag from their homes and businesses on this day. This is also a day off for the general population, and government offices, schools, and some businesses are closed for the day.
Argentina (National holiday)
