Argentina: celebrating 209 years of independence

Argentina's journey to independence, declared 209 years ago, was a defining moment in the broader Latin American struggle for freedom.

- Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro

On July 9, 1816, in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán, a group of bold and pioneering minds from across the region convened to chart a new course. Their historic decision at the Congress of Tucumán marked Argentina’s formal break from Spanish colonial rule and signaled the formal birth of a sovereign nation.

This hard-earned freedom was the result of a complex and often turbulent process, shaped by military campaigns, turbulent political exchanges and moments of deep division. Yet amidst these challenges, the Congress stood as a remarkable act of unity and vision. The Declaration of Independence they signed was not just a political statement, it was a bold affirmation of the values of liberty, equality, and self-governance that continue to define Argentina’s national identity today.

In the years that followed, Argentina embarked on the arduous but vital task of building its institutions and consolidating its political life. Over time it emerged as a dynamic republic with a distinct voice on the global stage, a country proud of its past and committed to shaping a better future.