La Paz Day is annually observed on July 16. La Paz has many claims to fame, but they are especially proud of having sparked the Bolivian independence war, a fact they celebrate annually on La Paz Day. On this day, more than two centuries ago, Bolivians fought for the first time against the Spanish colonial powers that had ruled their country for centuries. Many historians believe that this initial spark ignited the flame that inspired every Bolivian to struggle for freedom and led to the country’s revolution. In the city, La Paz Day, also known colloquially as “Da del departamento de La Paz,” is observed as a regional holiday. However, do not conflate this day with Bolivian Independence Day, which is celebrated by the entire nation on August 6, the date they officially attained independence.
The background of La Paz day
Since Spanish explorers discovered the area, which was then part of the Incan Empire, Bolivia has been under colonial administration. The indigenous population resisted this imposed control, and they frequently clashed with the Spanish conquistadors. These conflicts, on the other hand, were limited in scope and did not involve a unified majority, which has been a characteristic of every global liberation struggle.
The first significant ‘flames’ of nationalism did not emerge until the turn of the 19th century, when a patriot by the name of Pedro Domingo Murillo ignited them. While the ‘Primer Grito libertario’ (meaning ‘first cry of freedom’) occurred in May 1809 in Sucre city, it was the events that transpired only two months later that stoked the flames of revolution among the indigenous population.
Murillo united the’mestizos’ – people of mixed South American and European ancestry – against the dominant Spaniards in La Paz, formerly known as Upper Peru. In doing so, he initiated the Spanish-American wars of independence, which were a series of military campaigns that resulted in the political independence of numerous countries, including modern-day Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile, among others. La Paz never forgets the day or events that sparked this struggle, despite the fact that Bolivia had to wait an additional 16 years for complete independence. In their celebrations on La Paz Day, they remember Murillo and his proclamation, as well as the events surrounding this day.
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LA PAZ DAY ACTIVITIES
Discover Pedro Domingo Murillo
This patriot is among the most revered and significant figures in Bolivian history. Read and learn more about this intriguing individual from online and offline resources.
Explore La Paz
Bolivia is an excellent destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the local customs and culture. If you prefer to experience La Paz from the comfort of your own home, you can explore the city’s indigenous identity through various articles and artwork, sample authentic Bolivian cuisine, and take a “virtual tour” of the region through videos and articles contributed by other travellers.
Learn about Bolivian culture
Choose renowned artists, musicians, novels, films, and other media for their portrayal of Bolivian culture. Examine how aspects and influences of colonial cultures — primarily Spanish — have influenced contemporary Bolivia, and explain how the music, art, etc. you’ve chosen have merged indigenous and colonial culture.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LA PAZ
La Paz had electricity before any other city in South America, and it was initially fuelled by Ilama dung.
The residence of the martyr has been preserved and now features colonial furnishings, artwork, and textiles.
The La Paz Bus Station, which originally served as a bus and railway station, was created by Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower.
This urban gondola system, dubbed “Mi Teleferico,” is almost 30 kilometres in length and rises to a height of 3,680 metres.
In order for indigenous people to rediscover their identity and return to their origins, a public clock on the House of Representatives intentionally runs backward.
LA PAZ DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 16 | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 16 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | July 16 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 16 | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 16 | Friday |
