National Sovereignty Day (Día de la Soberanía Nacional) is a national public holiday in Argentina. It commemorates the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, which took place on November 20, 1845. At the battle, Argentine confederate forces bravely resisted an invading fleet of superior power from the Anglo-French navy on the Paraná River, marking a significant moment in Argentina's struggle for sovereignty and national independence.
The holiday was officially established in Argentina in 1974 under the presidency of Isabel Perón, but it was not continuously observed due the subsequent military dictatorship. It was reinstituted in 2005 and since then, it's been celebrated annually. The date was selected as a significant symbol of national sovereignty and as tribute to the courage and tenacity displayed by Argentine forces during that military encounter.
Typically, National Sovereignty Day is marked by patriotic displays and military parades, especially at the site of the battle in San Pedro, Buenos Aires Province. It is a day when the Argentine people come together to remember and pay tribute to their nation's historical struggle for sovereignty. As a national public holiday, government offices, schools, businesses and public transport services are usually closed, providing an opportunity to honor and reflect on Argentina's rich and enduring spirit of resistance and independence.