On August 17, 2026, Argentina observed the 176th anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín, a pivotal figure in South American independence. San Martín, known as the Father of the Fatherland, led the liberation of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. This national holiday is marked by ceremonies across the country, reflecting on his legacy of discipline, valor, and unity.
Villarruel's Tribute and Criticism
Vice President Victoria Villarruel took part in the 90th edition of the Expo Venado, a major agricultural and industrial fair, where she called for the elimination of export taxes on agricultural and industrial products. She later posted a tribute to San Martín on social media, praising him as 'a born soldier' and stating that his teachings show that 'liberty is not negotiated; it is conquered with discipline and valor.'
In her message, she reviewed the general's achievements: the creation of the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers, the Battle of San Lorenzo, the organization of the Army of the Andes, the Crossing of the Andes, and the victories at Chacabuco and Maipú. 'San Martín gave us independence and delivered a sovereign nation,' she said, closing with 'Glory and honor to the Great Captain!'
Earlier, at the Expo Venado, Villarruel expressed concern for Argentines: 'I am worried about Argentines who don't have work or can't make ends meet.' She added, 'The political class must think about these issues.' These remarks were seen as a fresh sign of distancing from the administration of President Javier Milei.
Key Facts
San Martín (1778-1850) is revered as the liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He died on August 17, 1850, and his legacy is honored annually in Argentina.
Official Ceremony in Venado Tuerto
Governor Maximiliano Pullaro of Santa Fe province led the central ceremony in Venado Tuerto, at the plaza named after San Martín. He was accompanied by national deputy Gisela Scaglia, Chamber of Deputies President Clara García, Senator Leticia Di Gregorio, and local mayor Leonel Chiarella.
Pullaro highlighted the connection between San Martín and Brigadier Estanislao López, a local caudillo. 'San Martín is the father of the fatherland, he fought to have a Republic that would have liberty,' he said. He also linked the hero's legacy to current governance: 'The public works we are carrying out as the government of Santa Fe honor us, because it is also a San Martín legacy: austerity in the administration of public resources is the path he showed us.'
Naval Parade in San Isidro
In parallel, the Municipality of San Isidro organized a civic-military parade along Bernabé Márquez and Santa Fe avenues. Mayor Ramón Lanús and Rear Admiral Maximiliano Mangiaterra (Antarctic Joint Commander) led the event. The Music Band of the Naval Military School and a section of cadets from the Naval Military Lyceum 'Admiral Guillermo Brown' participated, along with veterans of the Malvinas War, security forces, firefighters, and neighborhood organizations. The display included armored vehicles, tanks, and vintage cars.
Milei's Act in Buenos Aires
President Javier Milei led a separate ceremony at the San Martín Plaza in Retiro, where he delivered a speech with electoral overtones, referring to 'internal and external enemies.' He was seen embracing Buenos Aires city mayor Jorge Macri. Notably, Vice President Villarruel was not invited to this event but sent a floral wreath.
The commemorations underscored the enduring relevance of San Martín's legacy while exposing political tensions within the government. Nevertheless, the spirit of unity and the call for economic stability resonated throughout the day.