18/06/2026 03:45 - Actualidad
Retrato heroico de Martín Miguel de Güemes a caballo con uniforme militar de época, paisaje montañoso de Salta al fondo, bandera argentina ondeando, estilo ilustración histórica con luz dramática
Every June 17, Argentina commemorates the National Day of Latin American Freedom, marking the anniversary of the death of Martín Miguel de Güemes—one of the most celebrated heroes of Argentine and South American independence.
Martín Miguel de Güemes was born on February 8, 1785 in Salta, a province in northwestern Argentina, into an aristocratic family. His military calling emerged early: at just 14 years old, he enlisted as a cadet in the 3rd Battalion of the Fixed Infantry Regiment of Buenos Aires.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 8, 1785 | Born in Salta, Argentina |
| 1799 | Joined the Fixed Infantry Regiment as cadet |
| 1810-1821 | Participated in the Wars of Independence |
| June 17, 1821 | Passed away (entered immortality) |
His legacy transcended Argentina's borders: he became a hero of South American freedom whose military strategy was fundamental to the consolidation of independence across the continent.
Güemes commanded the famous "División Infernal de Gauchos de Línea" (Infernal Division of Line Gauchos)—an irregular cavalry force composed of gauchos (South American cowboys) from northern Argentina who successfully resisted multiple Spanish royalist invasions from Upper Peru (modern-day Bolivia).
Characteristics of this legendary force:
Güemes was a close collaborator of General José de San Martín—the liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru—and served as Chief of the Vanguard of the Army of the Andes during the preparation for the campaign to liberate Lima, the last bastion of Spanish power in South America.
His role was strategic: he protected northern Argentina so that San Martín could execute his ambitious plan to cross the Andes mountains and liberate Chile and Peru.
Argentina's Ministry of Culture, led by Leonardo Cifelli, has organized special activities at the Historical Museum of the North in Salta to honor the hero's legacy.
Location: From the Historic Cabildo to the Cathedral of Salta (Caseros 549, Salta Capital)
Hours: Throughout June, 9 AM to 5 PM
Held at the Pantheon of the Glories of the North, where General Güemes' remains rest, conducted by the 5th Mountain Cavalry and Exploration Regiment "General Güemes" of the Argentine Army.
Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Historical Museum of the North (Caseros 549, Salta Capital)
A special tour about Güemes' life, his role in the War of Independence, and the prominent role of gaucho militias.
Dates: Through June 19
Hours: 11 AM–1 PM and 4–5 PM
Stencil printing on t-shirts, posters, and cards featuring Güemes' image for visitors.
Type: Permanent exhibition
Featuring artifacts belonging to both national heroes, paintings, and interpretive resources about key moments in history.
The South American Wars of Independence were military conflicts fought between 1809 and 1825 to liberate American colonies from Spanish colonial rule. In this context:
On June 17, 1821, Güemes was mortally wounded during a surprise royalist attack in the city of Salta. He died that same day, but his legacy endures as a symbol of the struggle for freedom.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
