The annual celebration of Boquerón Battle Victory Day is held on October 3 in Paraguay. The nation honors the war heroes and celebrates the soldiers’ victory. The Battle of Boquerón lasted three weeks and was contested between Bolivia and Paraguay, two neighboring countries. The conclusion proclaimed Paraguay a free and independent republic, and the country claimed the majority of the Chaco region.
The background of Boqueron Battle Victory Day
The three-week-long Battle of Boquerón began on September 7, 1932 and lasted for three weeks. It was a pivotal moment in the three-year Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia. The conflict began in June 1932 when Bolivian forces occupied the Fort of Boquerón, which escalated into a full-scale war between two neighboring nations.
The conflict between the landlocked countries resulted in a century of simmering animosity. Bolivia and Paraguay have both staked claims to a substantial area of strategic significance. The presence of a hydrocarbon reserve on the contested land drew international attention to it. Two major oil companies, Benchmark Oil and Shell Oil, fought alongside one another.
In the months leading up to the Battle of Boquerón, the Paraguayan Army, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Jose Felix, repelled attacks and amassed munitions and supplies. Several factors, such as a dearth of food and sufficient water, discouraged both groups. Fort Boquerón was seized by Paraguay after 22 days of intense fighting. Due to a shortage of resupply, the Bolivians were outnumbered and had to surrender to the Paraguayan Army. The combat resulted in a significant turning point in the conflict. The Paraguayan victory demoralized the Bolivian Army.
Over the past several decades, peaceful relations have developed between the two countries. 21st-century Paraguayans, with amended ties with Bolivians, honor the martyrs of the cause and regard the anniversary as the celebration of Paraguayan resilience.
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5 SHOCKING FACTS Concerning the Chaco War
The Chaco began in 1932 and continued until 1935.
The conflict was commonly referred to in Spanish as “La Guerra de la Sed,” or “The War of Thirst.”
The Chaco War was the bloodiest interstate war waged in South America during the nineteenth century.
Royal Dutch Shell and Standard Oil contributed to the escalation of the Chaco War.
Paraguay negotiated the peace treaty with Bolivia and asserted ownership of two-thirds of the disputed territories.
BOQUERON BATTLE VICTORY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 3 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | October 3 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 3 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 3 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 3 | Sunday |
