Artigas Birthday 2023: Date, History, Facts about José Artigas

Every year, Artigas’ birthday is celebrated on June 19th. Uruguay observes a national holiday today. It commemorates José Gervasio Artigas, also known as the founder of Uruguayan nationalism, on his birthday. Artigas is regarded as one of the most influential leaders in Latin America and a national icon in Uruguay. Not only against the Spanish and Portuguese empires, but also against the centralist government of Buenos Aires, he took an active part in the Latin American conflicts. His valour and patriotism contributed not only to the independence of Uruguayans, but also of Latin American nations. Discover how you can honour and celebrate José Gervasio Artigas on this anniversary.

The background of Artigas Birthday

José Gervasio Artigas was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on June 19, 1764. His parents, Martn José Artigas and Francisca Antonia Arnal, were both born into affluent families. Artigas had a secure and prosperous upbringing. As his grandparents also fought in the War of the Spanish Succession from 1701 to 1715, fighting for justice and liberty had always been in his DNA. At age 12, Artigas spent the majority of his time on his family’s rural property, where he learned about cattle and farming. He also adopted the lifestyles of the gauchos and Native Americans. At the age of 18, he engaged in cattle smuggling. He gradually grew apart from his parents, and eventually became a wanted man by the hacienda proprietors and the government of Montevideo.

In 1792, when the Anglo-Saxon War broke out, he was granted permission to enter the army. In 1797, he was promoted to lieutenant and began his military career. In an effort to atone for his past transgressions, he organised the gauchos to wage guerrilla warfare against the British, thereby proving to be a valuable team member. While the British attempted to attack a second time, local forces defeated them and restored Spanish authority over Montevideo. At this time, Artigas was a commander, and he used this position to fight against Spain for independence. He commanded all Uruguayan patriots in the conquest of the majority of contemporary Uruguay.

Years later, Artigas desired an American-style federal government in Argentina, while the Buenos Aires administration desired centralised control. This political disagreement resulted in a civil conflict, which sparked the emergence of Uruguayan nationalism. Artigas passed away in Asunción, Paraguay, on September 23, 1850, at the age of 86.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JOSÉ ARTIGAS

When he was on his deathbed, he requested a horse and saddle to remind him of his boyhood in the country.

He resided in exile in Paraguay following a second Portuguese invasion.

In 1980, he was honoured with the Order of Military Merit of the Companions of Ortigas.

In his honour, monuments were constructed in Romania, Bulgaria, and Italy.

After him, an extinct gigantic rodent was named josephoartigasia.

ARTIGAS BIRTHDAY DATES