Aug 06, 2022
Bolivia Independence Day 2022
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Bolivian Independence Day! After centuries of colonial rule and 16 years of war with Spain, Bolivians signed the Declaration of Independence on this day in 1825.
Up until the 16th century, the area now known as Bolivia was inhabited by Indigenous ethnic groups, namely the Great Incans, the Aymara and the Quechua. In 1532, Spaniards invaded the region for its rich silver mines and exploited Indigenous populations for labor, setting up colonies and settlements throughout the land.
The Indigenous groups were treated unfairly, with little access to education, economic opportunities or political participation. As a new mixed-race group called mestizos formed, they also experienced social exclusion.
The Napoleonic Wars in the early-1800’s inspired Indigenous groups and mestizos in Bolivia to resist colonialism. In 1809, they joined forces with freedom fighters such as Simón Bolivar and Antonio José de Sucre to organize an uprising in Chuquisaca.
Sixteen years later, Sucre won a decisive battle in Ayacucho on December 9, 1824 and forced the Spanish to surrender the following day. On August 6, 1825, a congress was summoned to create a new constitution and sign the declaration of independence. The country was named after its liberator Simón Bolivar, and Sucre became its first president. Bolivia became the first Spanish colony in South America to gain independence.
On Independence Day, Bolivians celebrate with carnivals, parades, firework shows and other outdoor activities. The red, yellow and green flag, like the one flying in today’s Doodle, can be found far and wide throughout the country on this national holiday.
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia! Happy Independence Day, Bolivia!
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