Independence Day in 2024

When is Independence Day?

YearDates
2025
2024
2023

When is Uruguay Independence Day?

Known as 'Día de la Independencia', this public holiday in the Oriental Republic of Uruguay is always celebrated on August 25th.

It is Uruguay's National Day and marks Uruguay's independence from Brazil in 1825.

History of Uruguay Independence Day

The region now known as Uruguay lay on the Eastern bank ('Banda Oriental') of the River Plate and had passed through English, Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian control in a short period at the start of the nineteenth century.

When Brazil gained its independence from Portugal in 1822., Banda Oriental had become a province of Brazil.

Did you know?

Uruguay has the longest national anthem in the world. It is 150 bars long and lasts around 6 minutes.

On August 25th 1825, following a short period of rebellion, Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil. This instigated the Argentina- Brazil War. The conflict lasted until August 1828, when the British negotiated a resolution that led to Brazil recognising Uruguay's independence.

Did you know?

Uruguay means "River of the Painted Birds" in Guarani.

To mark the holiday, various patriotic ceremonies take place in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.

Chivito

To celebrate Uruguay's National Day, we recommend making Chivito. This steak and egg sandwich is one of the most popular foods in Uruguay and can be found in countless restaurants and street food vendors. Chivito, which means little goat in Spanish, is a sandwich with a thin steak, egg, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mozzarella. The sandwich is traditionally topped with Salsa Golf which is a mixture of ketchup and mustard and served atop a plain white bun.

Chivito Recipe

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