Bolivia's Tribute To Its National Heroes

Bolivia has a rich history of national heroes, with the country's military heroes being particularly prominent. One of Bolivia's foremost heroes is Eduardo Abaroa, a landowner and engineer who died defending the country's coastline during the War of the Pacific in 1879. Abaroa's last stand against Chilean forces has been immortalised in Bolivian folklore, with his defiant refusal to surrender serving as a symbol of national pride and self-sacrifice. The anniversary of his death, March 23rd, is commemorated as the Bolivian Day of the Sea with a military parade celebrating the country's maritime history and culture.

Bolivia also bears the name of one of its heroes, Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan leader in the Spanish-American wars of independence. The country was named in his honour by Antonio José de Sucre, who opted to create a new state independent of Peru or Argentina.

Eduardo Abaroa: National Hero

Eduardo Abaroa Hidalgo, born on 13 October 1838, is a national hero of Bolivia. He was an engineer and landowner who fought and died in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) against Chile. Abaroa led the civilian resistance against the Chilean invasion at the Battle of Topáter, where he defended a bridge that provided access to the city of Calama, an important desert oasis. Outnumbered and injured, he refused to surrender and fought until his last breath. His defiant last stand, including his famous refusal to surrender, has been immortalised in Bolivian folklore and he is revered as a national hero.

Abaroa's famous last words vary depending on the source. According to Bolivian folklore, when asked to surrender, he replied: "¿Rendirme yo? ¡Que se rinda su abuela, carajo!" ("Surrender? Your grandmother [is who] should surrender, you bastard!") . The Chilean version, however, recalls him simply saying, "¿Quién, yo?" ("Who, me?").

Bolivia has honoured Abaroa in several ways. His body was repatriated in 1952 and buried with full honours in La Paz's Plaza Abaroa, which also features a bronze statue of the hero. Stamps have been issued in his honour, quoting his alleged last words (minus the expletive). Additionally, an Andean fauna national reserve, a province, and a square in La Paz bear his name. The anniversary of his death, March 23, is a national holiday in Bolivia, known as Día del Mar or the Day of the Sea, and is commemorated with a military parade celebrating the country's maritime history and culture.

Annual Day of the Sea

Bolivia's Annual Day of the Sea, or Día del Mar, is a significant event in the country's calendar as it remembers a pivotal moment in its history. On 23 March each year, Bolivia commemorates the loss of the Litoral Department, a 250-mile stretch of Pacific coastline, during the 1879–1883 War of the Pacific with Chile.

The Day of the Sea is a solemn occasion marked by ceremonies across the country. In La Paz, a ceremony is held at the Plaza Abaroa to honour the war hero Colonel Eduardo Abaroa, who was killed in the Battle of Topáter on 23 March 1879. This first battle of the war saw Bolivian troops valiantly attempt to defend the town of Calama but ultimately succumb to Chilean forces. Flowers are laid at the statue of Eduardo Abaroa, and the Bolivian Naval Force takes part in parades.

The day is also an opportunity for Bolivia to reiterate its claims for access to the Pacific Ocean, a right it lost when it became landlocked after the War of the Pacific. This issue remains a sensitive topic for Bolivians, who have not reconciled with the loss of their coastline. The country has gone to great lengths to maintain its naval presence and even has a museum dedicated to its former coast.

The Day of the Sea is observed at the conclusion of the week-long Semana del Mar, with rallies and speeches by politicians. The recorded sound of seagulls is played, and people listen intently, reflecting on the significance of the day. While it is not a public holiday, the Day of the Sea is a widely observed occasion in Bolivia, with people gathering to renew their determination to reclaim their access to the sea.

Plaza Abaroa

The plaza is rectangular and features eight radial pedestrian entrances that converge on a central fountain, with Abaroa's memorial at its heart. It is located in the Sopocachi area of La Paz, at the intersection of 20 de Octubre, Sánchez Lima, Pedro Salazar, and Belisario Salinas streets. The square was repaired in 1927 by prefect Hugo Ernest.

Simón Bolívar: Namesake of Bolivia

Simón Bolívar, the namesake of Bolivia, was a Venezuelan military officer and statesman who played a pivotal role in the independence of several South American countries from the Spanish Empire. Born into a wealthy family in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1783, Bolívar received an education steeped in Enlightenment philosophy, which likely influenced his anti-colonial ideology. After witnessing the American Revolutionary War, Bolívar was inspired by the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and he even sent his nephew to the University of Virginia.

Bolívar's military career began in 1810, when he joined the Venezuelan War of Independence as a militia officer, fighting against the Royalist forces. Despite facing exile and setbacks, Bolívar persevered and played a pivotal role in the independence of Venezuela, New Granada (modern-day Colombia and Panama), Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

In 1825, Bolívar's close associate, Venezuelan leader Antonio José de Sucre, liberated the region now known as Bolivia from Royalist dominion. The newly independent state initially considered uniting with Peru or the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. However, Sucre, with local support, opted to establish a wholly independent state, naming it the Republic of Bolívar in honour of Bolívar. Congressman Manuel Martín Cruz famously proclaimed, "If from Romulus, Rome, then from Bolívar, Bolivia." The name was officially changed to Bolivia and ratified by the Republic on 3 October 1825.

Bolívar's legacy extends far beyond the borders of Bolivia. He is revered as a national and cultural icon throughout Latin America, and both Bolivia and Venezuela bear his name. Additionally, numerous places, institutions, and even currencies are named after him, reflecting his enduring impact on the region's history and culture.

Antonio José de Sucre: Founding Father

Antonio José de Sucre, also known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho" (English: "Grand Marshal of Ayacucho") was a Venezuelan general and politician who played a pivotal role in the founding of Bolivia. Born on February 3, 1795, in Cumaná, Venezuela, Sucre was a close friend and associate of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan leader for whom the country of Bolivia is named.

Sucre's involvement in the founding of Bolivia began in 1825, when Bolívar tasked him with setting up an administration in Upper Peru (now Bolivia). Sucre entered Upper Peru on February 25, 1825, with orders to establish an independent administration. He successfully carried out this mission, and on August 6, 1825, the region achieved independence as the Republic of Bolívar, later renamed Bolivia. Sucre became the first president of the new republic, serving from 1825 to 1828.

Prior to his role in the founding of Bolivia, Sucre had established himself as a highly capable military leader. He joined the revolt against Spanish rule in 1814 and distinguished himself in various military campaigns. In 1822, he led the Patriot forces to victory at the Battle of Pichincha, liberating Quito and securing the independence of the region that would eventually become Ecuador. As Bolívar's chief lieutenant, he also played a crucial role in securing Peru's independence, scoring a decisive victory over the Spanish Royalist army at the Battle of Ayacucho in 1824.

Sucre's tenure as president of Bolivia was marked by challenges and opposition. He faced resistance from entrenched traditional elites and a local uprising in 1828, which ultimately led to his resignation. However, his contributions to the founding and early development of the country are significant. In addition to serving as its first president, Sucre also gave Bolivia its first constitution in 1828.

Sucre's legacy is honored in various ways in Bolivia and beyond. The country's constitutional capital, Sucre, is named after him, and he is recognized as the "Father of the Republic and Supreme Chief of State." Additionally, he is remembered through numerous monuments, statues, and plaques, including a square in La Paz that bears his name.

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