Every year, July 24th, Ecuador celebrates the birthday of Simon Bolivar, the famous fighter for the independence of the Spanish colonies of the South American continent. Bolivar is one of the most prominent figures in Latin American history. For victorious revolutionary wars, he received the proud name "Liberator".
Simon Bolivar was born in 1783 in the family of a Venezuelan Creole aristocrat. Having reached 16 years, he was sent to study in Europe. At the universities of France and Spain, young Simon became acquainted with the progressive works of the philosopher-educators Locke, Hobbes, Voltaire. In 1807, he returned to his homeland with the firm intention of freeing the country from foreign oppression.
A year later, Bolivar, along with associates, achieved the resignation and expulsion of the Spanish governor from the country. In 1813, Simon Bolivar led the revolutionary army and defeated the Spaniards, declaring Venezuela a republic. This victory was the beginning of the liberation movement for the independence of the entire continent.
In December 1819, Bolivar was elected president of the newly proclaimed Republic of Colombia, which included Venezuela and New Granada. A few years later, the rebels expelled the colonial troops from the province of Quito (modern Ecuador) and annexed it to Colombia.
Bolivar's cherished dream was the unification of all Latin American countries and the creation of the state of the United States of America. To do this, he needed to become the single leader of the liberation movement against the Spaniards. However, the struggle gave rise to many revolutionary leaders, one of which was Jose de San Martin.
While Bolivar was fighting in the north, San Martin fought for the sovereignty of Argentina and Chile. He was no less popular folk hero than Bolivar. Despite everything, the leaders did not become rivals. They met in the city of Guayaquil and made an agreement. In memory of this event, a monument was erected on the embankment of the city.
Modern residents of the city are very fond of this place. They come to the Bolivar monument on a festive day to relax, take a walk and listen to music. On July 24, traditional children's and military parades are held throughout the country, accompanied by numerous dance groups and crowds of ordinary Ecuadorians dressed in national costumes. Educational institutions of Ecuador organize various parties, discos and other events on this day in memory of the Liberator.
