Simón Bolívar Day (Ecuador and Venezuela)
Simón Bolívar Day is celebrated on July 24 in both Ecuador and Venezuela to honor the legacy of Simón Bolívar, a pivotal figure in South America's struggle for independence from European colonial rule. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1783, Bolívar is revered as a freedom fighter and is affectionately known as "El Libertador." In Venezuela, this day is recognized as a public holiday, while in Ecuador it is specifically termed "Simón Bolívar Day." Bolívar played a crucial role in the liberation movements across several nations, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and was instrumental in the establishment of Bolivia, which is named in his honor.
His vision included the creation of a united Latin America, reflecting his ambition for regional solidarity. Despite his significant contributions, internal conflicts among the newly independent nations hindered his dream, leading him to withdraw from politics in 1830. Bolívar's life came to a close later that year, but his impact on the continent's quest for self-determination endures. Today, he is celebrated as a national hero and a symbol of independence across much of South America.
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Simón Bolívar Day (Ecuador and Venezuela)
Simón Bolívar Day (Ecuador and Venezuela)
Simón Bolívar, revered as a freedom fighter throughout South America, was born on July 24, 1783, in Caracas, Venezuela. He is commemorated in many ways. Venezuela honors its native son with a public holiday on July 24 of every year called Bolívar Day, or Birth of the Liberator. In Ecuador July 24 is celebrated as “Simón Bolívar Day.” Further, the nation of Bolivia itself is a tribute to his legacy, as it was named in his honor.
Bolívar's exploits as a revolutionary and nationalist, dedicated to overthrowing the centuries of European colonial rule over most of South America, are discussed in more detail in various articles throughout this book. After Christopher Columbus reached the New World, Spain eventually colonized the lion's share of South America, with Portugal taking Brazil and other European nations such as France, Holland, and Great Britain periodically coming into possession of much smaller portions. By the early 19th century, however, many parts of the continent were ready to claim their freedom, especially since the Spanish Empire was beginning to decay and losing its hold over the region.
Popular discontent fueled many wars of independence, and Bolívar emerged as a leader in various movements for liberation. For example, he fought in the Venezuelan war of independence, earning the title El Libertador or (the liberator) from his grateful country. Bolívar also led revolutionary campaigns in other parts of the continent, including what eventually became the independent nations of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. His dream was to eventually establish a massive United States of Latin America, which would not only include all of South America but also encompass Central America and the Caribbean. Unfortunately for Bolívar, internal dissension among the newly freed territories made this impossible, and he left politics in 1830. Disappointed and suffering from bad health, he died of tuberculosis near Cartagena, Colombia, on December 17, 1830. Nevertheless, Bolívar's contribution to the cause of South American self-determination remains enormously significant, and he is revered as a hero throughout most of the continent.