Montevideo (TDI): It is not everyday that the second smallest country on the South American continent makes it to headlines. But Uruguay made headlines in May for the death of its former President – a leader known for his modest lifestyle, so much so that the world called him the “poorest president.”
Today as Uruguay marks 200 years of its independence from Brazil, it is noteworthy that Brazil was not the only country that ruled here. Uruguay saw English, Spanish, Portuguese, and finally Brazilian control in a short period at the start of the nineteenth century.
Even today, the country is overshadowed by its two big neighbors – Brazil and Argentina. Though small, Uruguay is not heavily populated and there is plenty of cultivable land. Most of the people are living in the capital city.
The struggle for Uruguay’s independence began in 1811 when José Gervasio Artigas launched a successful rebellion against the Spanish authorities. However, several years later the Easter Bank, on which Uruguay exists today, was annexed by Portuguese Brazil.
In 1822, the Brazilian Empire achieved independence from Portugal. Three years later, a group of Uruguayan revolutionaries led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja (Thirty-Three Orientals) arrived in Montevideo.
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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 recognizing Uruguay’s independence.
Uruguay thus celebrates 1825 as the year of its freedom. Today, each year on August 24, the colors blue, white, and yellow fill the streets – the three national colors which also make the country’s flag.
This national holiday is called “Día de la Independencia” and is day filled with parades, traditional music, and a dance called candombe. The sun on Uruguay’s flag often catches attention, and is a bearer of history.
It is called the Sun of May and is not exclusive to Uruguay’s flag. Argentina’s flag has a similar sun and the same blue and white color. Uruguay bears stark cultural similarities to Brazil and Argentina, and its flag is one such display.
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