This Monday, August 17, 2026, Argentina observed the 176th anniversary of the passing of General José de San Martín, one of the most revered figures in Latin American history. Official ceremonies took place nationwide, with the province of Santa Fe hosting two major events. Governor Maximiliano Pullaro led the central commemoration in Venado Tuerto, while Rosario's Mayor Pablo Javkin presided over the ceremony at Plaza San Martín. Both leaders highlighted the enduring relevance of San Martín's ideals and called for unity and collective effort to build the nation's future.
Pullaro in Venado Tuerto: “We Are Children of San Martín”
The governor of Santa Fe headed the official event in the central plaza of Venado Tuerto, which bears the name of the hero. The ceremony brought together provincial, legislative, and municipal authorities, as well as educational institutions, civil organizations, and local residents.
In his speech, Pullaro stated that “there are men who are protagonists at certain moments, and others who are protagonists of history. San Martín is a protagonist of Argentine and American history”, recalling his fight to end Spanish rule: “It was the ideas of freedom that moved him.”
The governor also referenced the correspondence between San Martín and Brigadier Estanislao López, a Santa Fe caudillo, noting they shared the same ideals of liberty. “San Martín is the father of the nation; he fought for a Republic that would have freedom. A person who fought for liberty and worked so that Argentines could be united,” he affirmed.
In a central part of his address, Pullaro called for “working to achieve freedom and equality, and, at this moment when Argentina is looked upon for its natural and human resources, to defend them. Argentina must generate work, employment, and economic growth to have the freedom for which San Martín fought.”
The governor also linked the hero's legacy to public management: “We are honored by the public works we are carrying out as the Government of Santa Fe, because it is also a San Martín legacy: austerity in the administration of public resources is the path he showed us.” He concluded: “Let us work together, united, for freedom and equality.”
Chiarella: “Governing Means Looking Forward”
The mayor of Venado Tuerto, Leonel Chiarella, thanked the governor for his presence and highlighted that San Martín “knew how to understand his time, knew where to be, and did what he had to do when history demanded it.” He also stressed that the hero built “one of the greatest feats because there was a project, there was planning.”
Chiarella emphasized the “teachings on how to exercise public responsibility that transcend time” and valued the political decision and resources that now allow the realization of “long-awaited” works in the city, with a historic investment.
He was accompanied by national deputy and former vice-governor Gisela Scaglia, President of the Chamber of Deputies Clara García, Senator Leticia Di Gregorio, ministers and secretaries of the Executive Branch, and provincial legislators.
Javkin in Rosario: “The Gene of Greatness Is What Saves Rosario”
Meanwhile, Rosario's Mayor Pablo Javkin presided over the 176th anniversary ceremony at Plaza San Martín. After the flag raising, Javkin highlighted the figure of the Father of the Nation and his “struggle for independence, freedom, and the unity of peoples.”
The mayor chose the word “greatness” to connect the past with Rosario's present: “The gene of greatness is what saves and has always saved Rosario.” He recalled that the city “made itself a city, without a founder and without even being in anyone's plans. It grew like no other city in Argentina. It rebelled against foreign impositions, resisted adversity with unique tenacity, rising again and again.”
Javkin also addressed the fight against violence: “Rosario expelled the scum that had sown violence and caused so much harm to our people. After putting up the fight, fear changed sides.” He added: “Rosario is back. This city is now spoken of with the respect it deserves. Tourists return, big events return. This is where this city should be: on top.”
The mayor closed his speech by championing municipal autonomy: “In the year of our tricentennial, we honor the San Martín legacy and consecrate our autonomy. After more than 100 years, Rosario finally has the tools to decide for itself with freedom and be the protagonist of its destiny.”
Attending the event were Santa Fe's Minister of Culture Susana Rueda, Minister of Environment Enrique Estévez, President of the Chamber of Deputies Clara García, and President of the Municipal Council María Eugenia Schmuck, among other authorities.
Chaco Legislature Also Honors the Liberator
In Resistencia, Chaco, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Carmen Delgado, participated in the commemorative event. The day began with floral offerings at the bust of the Liberator, the raising of the National Flag, and the main ceremony in the central plaza, in front of the Equestrian Monument of General San Martín.
During the ceremony, a hand-embroidered replica of the Army of the Andes Flag was placed on a pedestal, the National Anthem was sung, and a minute of silence was observed. Poetry and speeches by the San Martín Cultural Association of Resistencia highlighted the enduring relevance of the hero's thought.
Deputies Carlos Salom and Samuel Vargas, Superior Court of Justice Minister Iride Isabel María Grillo, and the president of the San Martín Association, Martín Andolfi, were also present.
Who Was José de San Martín?
José Francisco de San Martín was born on February 25, 1778 in Yapeyú, Corrientes (then part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata). He was a military and political leader crucial to the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He created the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers in 1812, crossed the Andes in 1817, and liberated Chile and Peru. He died on August 17, 1850 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. His remains rest in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires since 1880. San Martín is celebrated as the “Father of the Nation” in Argentina and a hero across South America.