Why are June 17 and 20 holidays in Argentina?

If there is something that dozens of Argentines are clear about this week, it is that Friday, June 17 and Monday, June 20, are holidays this year on the calendar, but why? What, or rather who do we remember? The first is the newest holiday that our country had, since it is only since 2016 that date is distinguished in the calendar. This is the Step to Immortality of Martín Miguel de Güemes, which commemorates the hero, and key actor in the struggles for independence, the day he died (a June 17 but 1821).

The Salta leader of the gaucho war stood out for leading various missions entrusted by Manuel Belgrano, Juan Martín de Pueyrredón and even José de San Martín, with whom he maintained a good bond that led him to help the campaign of liberation of Peru.

Martín Miguel de Güemes formed his famous army “Los Infernales” with countrymen, small and medium owners, tenants, mestizos, who fought alongside him. He was the only Argentine general killed in foreign war action. He died after several days of agony after being injured. As another additional fact, his figure will be next to the prestigious leader Juana Azurduy, in the new $ 200 bills that the Government will put into circulation towards the end of the year. As for June 20, although the holiday is commemorated as Flag Day, the date is attributed by the death of its creator, whom we have already mentioned in this note.

After 1810 with the formation of the First Junta of Own Government in Buenos Aires-which the hero formed- the government of the province still feared the Spanish advance since even the Provinces of the Río de la Plata depended on the hyperic country. That is why they entrust Belgrano to go to Rosario to organize the defense, in 1812. There he creates the flag with a blue and a white stripe. Look at the Ephemomerides made by the teacher and researcher, Pupina Plomer, which will further clear all doubts, and provide you with the info you need. Because understanding history serves to understand our present.

Original source in Spanish