The region now known as Uruguay lay on the Eastern bank (‘Banda Oriental’) of the River Plate and had passed through English, Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian control in a short period at the start of the nineteenth century. 

When Brazil gained its independence from Portugal in 1822., Banda Oriental had become a province of Brazil. 

Uruguay has the longest national anthem in the world. It is 150 bars long and lasts around 6 minutes. 

On August 25th 1825, following a short period of rebellion, Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil. This instigated the Argentina- Brazil War. The conflict lasted until August 1828, when the British negotiated a resolution that led to Brazil recognising Uruguay’s independence. 

Uruguay means “River of the Painted Birds” in Guarani. 

To mark the holiday, various patriotic ceremonies take place in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.