April 19th, 1810.

Today is a holiday in all our territory meaning that we have the day off. On this date we commemorate the revolution occurred  203 years ago in Caracas. It was actually an unarmed revolution but it is famous because it meant at that time the starting of the independence war which lasted thirteen years. By that time Venezuela (as most of the Latin countries) was a dependent colony of Spain. This was not the first attempt to to free our country as Francisco de Miranda tried it two times before this year. Even though he failed in his efforts, he left some freedom ideas going across all the country since he participated in both the American and French revolution.

 The General Captaincy of Venezuela and it's provinces in 1810.

Being a colony was uncomfortable for many people also because they were allowed to trade products only with the metropolis by selling cheap and buying expensive so the Venezuelan economy could't develop properly.

It's important to remember that Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain in 1808 and named his brother Jose Bonaparte the new king.

What happened that day...

Taking advantage of the Napoleon's invasion to Spain, the patriot members of the municipal council decided to create popular agitation against the governor Vicente Emparan while he was visiting the Cathedral during the Holy Thursday. Emparan was known for being more a negotiator than a warrior because he successfully stopped some attempts made by the higher class to form a different government and create a constitution by talking person to person to the separatists leaders.

But this time the Spanish Empire was weaker than before and the pressure from the crowed was a lot more intense. He finally opted to ask the people gathered in the Mayor square (today Bolivar square) from the council's window whether or not they recognize him as the authority and people answered a big NO. After this he decided to quit and left Venezuela on that same day. He went to Philadelphia where he wrote to the Spanish government explaining what happened on April 19th.

Painting by Juan Lovera. Vicente Emparan is the guy in the middle with black suit.

Consequences.

After this day the patriots formed a committee which took the following measures: to create similar committees in the other patriot provinces, to liberate the international trade regulations, to forbid slaves trade and to create a math academy among others. They also sent delegations to countries that might be interested in supporting this movement such as England, United States and Nueva Granada (actual Colombia). Three provinces still remained loyal to Spain.

Inspired by what happened that day, many other countries in Latin America did as such. As our national anthem says: "Seguid el ejemplo que Caracas dió" (follow the example given by Caracas).

More than a year later, on July 5th, 1811; the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence was singed definitively breaking with the Spanish Crown and forming a new country based on federal and republican ideas. Obviously the Spain Crown didn't agree with that so the war started.

Today.

Because it's Friday people will take this long weekend to go to the beach (which is the most common activity to do on weekends) or do some other activities. Also, a traditional military parade is going to be held in Caracas.

What are the more common holidays in your country? What do you usually do when you have the day off?