A National Holiday to Remember a Hero
Every August 17, Argentina pauses to honor the Passing of General José de San Martín, who died in 1850 in France. This year, the date falls on a Monday, creating a three-day weekend for citizens to reflect on the life of one of South America's most revered independence leaders.
San Martín is known as the Father of the Nation and the Liberator of America for his decisive campaigns that freed the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (modern Argentina), Chile, and Peru from Spanish colonial rule. His legacy transcends borders, symbolizing the enduring fight for freedom and sovereignty.
Early Life and Military Formation
José Francisco de San Martín was born on February 25, 1778, in Yapeyú, a small town in what is now Corrientes Province, Argentina. He was the youngest of five siblings. At age 6, his family moved to Spain, where he received a rigorous military education and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, serving 22 years in the Spanish army.
When he learned of the May Revolution of 1810 in Buenos Aires, he returned to his homeland to join the independence cause. In Buenos Aires, he founded the elite Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers on March 16, 1812, achieving a crucial victory at the Battle of San Lorenzo.
The Epic Crossing of the Andes
In 1814, San Martín was appointed Governor of Cuyo, where he began assembling the Army of the Andes. On January 17, 1817, he led over 5,400 men across the formidable Andes mountain range—a military feat still studied today for its audacity and logistics.
After decisive victories at the Battles of Chacabuco and Maipú, he liberated Chile and was named Captain General. He then launched the Liberating Expedition to Peru, proclaiming Peruvian independence in Lima on July 28, 1821, and serving as Protector of Peru.
Final Years and Enduring Legacy
San Martín spent his last years in France, passing away on August 17, 1850, at the age of 72. Since 1880, his remains have rested in the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace inside the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, guarded permanently by two grenadiers.
His legacy is not only military but also deeply political. In his will, he bequeathed his curved saber to Juan Manuel de Rosas, a gesture reflecting his strategic vision for the region. Today, his name adorns streets, plazas, and schools across Argentina and beyond.
Official Commemorations Across the Country
This Monday, President Javier Milei led the central ceremony at Plaza San Martín in Buenos Aires, delivering a brief speech with no major announcements. In Salta, Mayor Emiliano Durand and Vice-Governor Antonio Marocco headed the local event, which included flag raising, floral offerings, a religious invocation, and the performance of the March of San Lorenzo by the “Santa Cecilia” Police Band.
Across the nation, schools, civic groups, and government institutions hold tributes to keep the memory of the Liberator alive. The non-movable national holiday ensures that all Argentines can participate in honoring the values of independence and sovereignty that San Martín championed.
Key Dates in San Martín's Life
- Birth: February 25, 1778, Yapeyú, Corrientes
- Creation of the Grenadiers: March 16, 1812
- Crossing of the Andes: January 17, 1817
- Independence of Peru: July 28, 1821
- Death: August 17, 1850, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
- Repatriation of remains: 1880