Uruguay - Independence Day

Q: Who did Uruguay declare Independence from on August 25, 1825?

On August 25, 1825, Uruguay made a bold move that would shape its future forever. On this day, known as the “Día de la Independencia” (Independence Day), a group of revolutionaries gathered in the town of Florida and officially declared Uruguay’s independence — not from Spain, as one might first guess, but from Brazil.

At the time, Uruguay was part of the Cisplatina Province, annexed by the Empire of Brazil after years of shifting colonial control between Spain and Portugal. The patriots, led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja and the so-called “Thirty-Three Orientals,” rejected Brazilian rule and declared their loyalty to the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (modern Argentina).

This sparked the Cisplatine War between Brazil and Argentina, with Uruguay caught in the middle. After years of conflict and diplomatic negotiations, Uruguay was finally recognized as an independent nation in 1828 — becoming a buffer state between its two larger neighbours.

So, the answer is: Uruguay declared independence from Brazil on August 25, 1825.

Today, Uruguayans celebrate the day with parades, cultural events, and patriotic pride, honouring the fight for their nation’s sovereignty.