Argentina celebrates its May Revolution.

We usually associate spring with the arrival of good weather and flowers, but it can also be a time for the social awakening of nations. This is what happened in Argentina, more than 214 years ago, when it started its May Revolution. If you want to know more about this historic date, its relationship with Spain and how it is celebrated by the Argentins, you can find out more here.

Spain’s role in the conquest of Latin American territories is no secret. It established kingdoms and colonies throughout the world, which gradually gained their independence over time.

Although Argentina’s official emancipation took place in June 1816, it was the May Revolution that sowed the seeds of freedom, six years earlier. The city of Buenos Aires, capital of the former Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, became fertile ground for the germination of the nation’s self-determination.

During the week of 18-25 May 1810, a series of revolutionary events took place that led to the dismissal of the Spanish viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros and the formation of the First Governing Board (Junta gubernamental). Although the measure was applauded by many, it also had many detractors.

It should be noted that, despite this “head-on declaration” of separatist intentions by the new governing board, they were always apparently loyal to King Ferdinand VII. And we say apparently, since many historians agree that this was simply a political manoeuvre designed to gain time.

This stratagem is known as the “mask of Ferdinand VII”, and the farce continued until Argentina gained its independence in 1816.

What were the causes of the May Revolution?

• Revolutionary movements abroad. For example, the declaration of independence of the United States, the French Revolution, the industrial revolution in Great Britain and the Napoleonic Wars, among others.
• The need to establish a free trade system, monopolized exclusively by Spain. This resulted in a significant loss of global competitiveness and the unequal distribution of income.
• Internal struggles between power groups in Argentina.On the one side were the royalists, who recognised the authority of the King of Spain and supported the continuity of the American territories as part of the Spanish Empire. The opposing bloc, led by the patriots, defended the rights of the Spanish Creoles and wanted a definitive break with the Spanish Crown.
• Rise of the Creole bourgeoisie.
• Influence of Christian philosophy and the ideals of the French Revolution. Despite the vetoes of the local authorities, these schools of thought spread clandestinely throughout the Americas.

What happened during the week of the May Revolution?

Friday, May 18th: Publication of censored news that informed about the true situation in Spain with regard to the French occupation.

These documents were a reliable proof that the viceroy had been trying to cover up and attenuate the seriousness of what was happening in the mother country.

Saturday, May 19th: The stir caused by the publication mobilised several criollo collectives, who saw the perfect opportunity to depose the then Viceroy Cisneros.

Although it did not materialise, the government’s nervousness was evident. Militiamen were given arms and money in an attempt to gain sympathy.

Sunday, May 20th: A request is made for an open town meeting (cabildo abierto) to be held so that the population could have a say in the conflict. This request was not without controversy.

Some claim that the juntistas and the soldiers were the maker of the proposal. Other sources stress that it came directly from the viceroy himself.

Monday, May 21st: A closed session was held. The aim of the meeting was to bring about the viceroy’s dismissal.

Despite popular pressure from 600 people stationed outside the institution, this was not achieved. All that was achieved was an agreement to hold the long-awaited open cabildo the following day.

Tuesday, May 22nd: Celebration of the cabildo abierto and general voting. Nearly 250 people voted to dismiss the viceroy.

The results of the process were surprising. Seventy per cent of the voters demanded that the viceroy step down and a governing board be established.

Wednesday, May 23rd: The viceroy agreed to step down, and various military commanders were consulted on the possibility of forming such a governing board. Finally, it was agreed to issue a public statement to reassure the people.

Thursday, May 24th: The constitution of the governing board, headed by the deposed Viceroy and four other militia commanders, was made public.

This Solomonic measure was decided with the aim to make two extremes reconcile. At first, all sides seemed sympathetic to the new configuration.

Friday, May 25th: Very early in the morning, a crowd gathered in the vicinity of Plaza de la Victoria (now Plaza de Mayo). They were led by opposition militiamen, who demanded the definitive resignation of the viceroy and the formation of another governing board. They did not agree with the previous day’s decision.

Thanks to popular pressure, Viceroy Cisneros finally accepted the request and stepped down with immediate effect.

Saturday, May 26th: The provisional governing board (Junta Provisional Gubernativa) of the capital of Río de Plata, as it was finally called, issued its first official announcement.

In it, it communicated to the inhabitants of the territory the deposition of the former viceroy and the constitution of a new authority, as a result of the events that took place during the May Revolution.

What changes did the May Revolution bring about?

• It brought about a change in the political paradigm. The concept of popular sovereignty appeared on the scene. Thus, the rulers were no longer handpicked according to the valued “common good”, but it was the inhabitants who decided the fate of nations.
• Over time, majority rule was established. This mechanism ensured that posts of the State were appointed according to the voting intentions of the majority of the population, albeit in a rudimentary way. This mechanism would evolve into today’s democratic system.
• The Spanish monopoly was abolished and free trade was established. As a result, the Rio de la Plata merchant society began to export its products more freely.
• The Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata gradually dissolved after the separation of Montevideo, Paraguay and Upper Peru. As a result, it lasted only 38 years.
• The dissolution of the viceroyalty had a domino effect throughout the region, and the other cities gradually followed in its footsteps.

Today, the May Revolution is a bank holiday in Argentina. It is commemorated every May 25th, regardless of the day of the week.

During the festivity, paradigmatic characters of the time, such as the town criers (pregoneros), are exhibited. Among them are the water carrier, the candle seller, the street sweeper and the mazmorrera, who hands out empanadas to the people who gather in the Plaza de Mayo.

It is also common throughout the day for people to prepare and eat the traditional locro. This dish, of pre-Hispanic and pre-Inca origin, contains pumpkin, corn, white beans and potatoes. Its name comes from the Quechua ruqru or luqru.

Additionally, in primary schools, students are used to drinking hot chocolate as part of the celebration.

The May Revolution in Spanish cinema, music and literature.

There is no doubt that an event of such importance has had a profound impact on Argentine society. And the magnitude of this impact is reflected in various artistic manifestations.

These works, as well as offering a well-deserved tribute to the brave people who raised their voices against the prevailing power, also offer a historical re-reading and, hopefully, a re-writing of the past through contemporary eyes.

From our Spanish language school, we encourage students and the general public to enjoy the legacy that the May Revolution has left us, through numerous films, songs and books.

Below, we share with you a series of recommendations to celebrate together this date so important for the Hispanic countries:

Movies

La Revolución de Mayo (1909). Directed by Mario Gallo. (Silent film).

La Guerra Gaucha (1942). Directed by Lucas Demare.

El santo de la espada (1970). Directed by Leopoldo Torre Nilsson.

Cabeza de Tigre (1995).Directed by Claudio Etcheberry

Revolución. El cruce de los Andes (2010). Directed by Leandro Ipiña.

Belgrano (2010). Directed by Sebastián Pivotto.

Moreno (2013). Directed by Ernesto Ardito.

El Padre de la Patria (2020), a Pablo Spatola’s documentary

Books

1810. La otra historia de nuestra Revolución fundadora, by Felipe Pigna

La revolución es un sueño eterno, by Andrés Rivera

La historia argentina contada por mujeres, by Gabriela Margall y Gilda Manso

¡Viva el bajo pueblo!, by Gabriel Di Meglio

1810. La Revolución de Mayo vivida por los negros, by Washington Cucurto

La contra. Los enemigos de la Revolución de Mayo, ayer y hoy, by Fabián Harari

Artigas. La versión popular de la Revolución de Mayo, by Pacho O’Donnell

Hacendados en armas. El cuerpo de Patricios, de las Invasiones Inglesas a la Revolución (1806-1810), by Fabián Harari.

Dios, Rey y Monopolio. Diego de Agüero y la contrarevolución en el Río de la Plata tardo colonial, by Mariano Schlez

Music.

Escondido de mi país by Mercedes Sosa.

Es 25 de mayo by Ángela Parodi.

Candombe de 1810 by Sebastián Monk.

El sol del 25 by Carlos Gardel.

Salve Patria by Carlos Gardel.

Gavota de Mayo by Pedro Berruti.

Rancherita de la Patria by Hermanos Abrodos.

Cumbia de Mayo by Polyon.

As you have seen, the May Revolution was an event that marked a milestone in both Argentine society and the Spanish foreign policy at the time.

As ambassadors of the language, we want to spread the culture of the different countries that make up our linguistic territory. All in all, and with all the differences we may have, we are united by the indissoluble bond of the Spanish language.

We hope you have enjoyed today’s article and we encourage you to immerse yourself more in Hispanic culture, so don’t miss our next post!

Remember that, in our Spanish courses, you will learn this and much more, take a look at our list of courses and start improving your Spanish today!