Manuel Belgrano Day in Argentina
Argentina observes June 20 as a national holiday honoring General Manuel Belgrano, who died on that date in 1820. The day is also Argentina’s Flag Day, linking his memory with the national flag he created and first raised in Rosario.[1][2]
A fixed national holiday
Argentina’s Law 27,399 lists June 20 as a nationwide, non-movable national holiday. The law’s transfer rules apply to holidays it classifies as movable; they do not list June 20 among them.[1]
For workers covered by Argentina’s Labour Contract Law, national holidays follow the rules for Sunday rest. The law provides holiday pay even when a holiday falls on a Sunday; employees who work that day receive their normal pay plus an equal amount.[3]
Belgrano and the national flag
The date marks Belgrano’s death in Buenos Aires on June 20, 1820. He created Argentina’s flag and first raised it on February 27, 1812, at Rosario, during the independence struggle. The national government describes the flag’s colours as two sky-blue horizontal bands around a white band.[2][4]
Argentina’s government says Congress designated June 20 as Flag Day in 1938. The flag was later adopted by the Congress of Tucumán in 1816; in 1818, an Inca sun was added to the white band.[2]
Ceremonies and school traditions
A recurring school observance is the promise of allegiance to the Argentine flag by fourth-grade pupils across the country. Argentina’s Education Ministry describes it as a celebration for pupils, families and schools.[5]
Military ceremonies are another documented part of the observance. Reports from the Army describe soldiers, cadets and pupils taking oaths or promising allegiance at events in different parts of the country; the programme and locations can vary.[6]
What visitors can expect
Because June 20 is a national holiday, work and service arrangements can change. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1][3]
The Central Bank publishes an annual list of bank holidays. It says electronic wallets, ATMs, online banking and mobile banking can be used for listed transactions during banking holidays; check the relevant year’s list for branch arrangements.[7]
Frequently asked questions
When is Manuel Belgrano Day?
Is it a day off?
What happens at schools?
Fourth-grade pupils across Argentina make a promise of allegiance to the national flag. The Education Ministry describes the occasion as a celebration involving pupils, families and schools.[5]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
The Central Bank publishes a year-specific bank-holiday list and says digital banking, ATMs and electronic payments remain available for listed operations. Check shop and transport schedules locally.[7]
Sources and references
Sources used for Anniversary of the Passing to Immortality of General Manuel Belgrano in Argentina:
- Ley 27399 - Ley de establecimiento de feriados y fines de semanas largos- Argentina.gob.ar, Presidency of the Nation
- Bandera Nacional- Argentina.gob.ar, Presidency of the Nation
- Ley 20744 - Ley de Contrato de Trabajo- Argentina.gob.ar, Presidency of the Nation
- 20 de Junio: Promesa de lealtad a la Bandera- Argentina.gob.ar, Ministry of Human Capital, Education
- 20 de Junio: Promesa de lealtad a la Bandera- Argentina.gob.ar, Ministry of Human Capital, Education
- Día de la Bandera: actos en todo el país- Argentina.gob.ar, Ministry of Defence
- Consultá feriados bancarios- Banco Central de la República Argentina