Battle of Boyacá

The Battle of Boyacá is a pivotal national holiday in Colombia, celebrated annually on **August 7**. It commemorates the decisive battle fought in 1819, which marked a turning point in Colombia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. The battle took place near the Boyacá River, where forces led by **Simón Bolívar** and **Francisco de Paula Santander** defeated the Spanish royalist army. This victory secured the liberation of Bogotá and paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Gran Colombia, a precursor to modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. The holiday is celebrated with patriotic events, military parades, cultural activities, and ceremonies honoring the heroes of the independence movement. It is a day of national pride, reflecting on Colombia's history and the sacrifices made for freedom. The **Boyacá Bridge**, where the battle occurred, is a symbol of the nation's independence and a key site for commemorative activities.