Independence of Venezuela

The Republic of Venezuela celebrates its independence from Spain on two different dates: April 19, when an initial declaration of semi-independence from Spain was signed in 1810, and July 5, when a more definitive break was signed in 1811. April 19 is known as “Firma Acta de la Independencia” or “Signing of the Act of Independence.”



One holy thursday of 1810, specifically April 19 in Caracas began the beginning of a stage in the history of Venezuela. On this day, the Cabildo of Caracas, with the support of the people, and important sectors of the armed forces, both battalions of veterans and militias, led by Simon Bolivar, as well as prominent figures of the clergy, society, intellectuals, deposed the governor and General Captain Vicente Emparan and other spanish officials, sending them into exile. This revolutionary movement that took place in a bloodless ultimately had an impact on the political, economic, social and cultural development not only in Venezuela, but throughout South America.



What began on April 19, 1810 as an autonomy movement by the Cabildo of Caracas, but remained faithful to King Ferdinand VII in 1811 not only topped the field in the province of Caracas to join other provinces, but involved the break with the Spanish colonial nexus. To this end he settled in Caracas on March 2, 1811, the first congress of Venezuela, with representation from the provinces of Caracas, Cumana, Barinas, Margarita, Merida, Barcelona and Trujillo. These seven provinces that formed the "American Confederation of Venezuela in the Southern Continent", is symbolized in the seven stars of the venezuelan flag.



During the morning on July 5, the debate continues in Congress, and by early afternoon the vote, made the counting of votes, the Congress President Juan Antonio Rodriguez Dominguez, solemnly announced at three in the afternoon that was proclaimed the absolute independence of Venezuela.



Since that day Venezuela was born. At present, every venezuelan commemorate this day with a big national pride. Many households displays banners and flags in their houses to remember the struggles waged by soldiers and Creole patriots of that time.