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Independence Day
Uruguay

Independence Day 2025, 2026 and 2027 in Uruguay

Every 25 August, Uruguay celebrates its Independence Day. It was on this day in 1825 that what is now Uruguay seceded from Brazil and joined Rio de La Plata (Argentina). A few years later, on 27 August of 1828, Uruguay was recognised as an independent state by both Argentina and Brazil under the Treaty of Montevideo.

YearDateDayHoliday
202525 AugMonIndependence Day
202625 AugTueIndependence Day
202725 AugWedIndependence Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

It was in 1512 that the Spanish discovered what is now Uruguay and began to colonise the region. Some three hundred years later, however, a massive revolt against Spain would ensue. In 1810, Buenos Aires revolted to the west, and a campaign was launched from there to dislodge the Spanish from Uruguay.

Local support sprang up too, and eventually Uruguay became independent under General Jose Gervasio Artigas. He established a republican form of government, which ultimately led to Portugal invading Uruguay to prevent “republicanism” from spreading to its colony of Brazil.

After Brazilian independence, however, Argentina invaded Uruguay and it declared its independence from Brazil on 27 August of 1825. To end war between Brazil and Argentina, however, Uruguay was allowed to be a separate country in 1828, that it might act as a “buffer state” between the two warring major powers.

Today, 27 August is a day to celebrate Uruguayan freedom and independence. The nation’s past heroes are remembered, colourful patriotic parades abound, and there are flag-raising ceremonies, music concerts, fireworks displays, fundraising campaigns for worthy causes, and more.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
202425 AugSunIndependence Day
202325 AugFriIndependence Day