May Revolution Day in Argentina
May Revolution Day is a national public holiday held every May 25 in Argentina. It commemorates the First Junta, formed in Buenos Aires in 1810, and marks an early step in the country’s path to independence.[1][2]
A fixed national holiday
Argentina’s Law 27,399 names May 25 as the Day of the May Revolution and classifies it as an immovable national holiday throughout the country. Because it is fixed, the holiday stays on May 25 rather than shifting to a nearby Monday when it falls on a weekend.[1]
For workers covered by Argentina’s Labour Contract Law, national holidays follow the rules for weekly rest. Employees who work on the day are entitled to their normal pay plus an equal amount under that law; different employment regimes may apply to some workers.[3]
What the date remembers
The May Revolution unfolded in Buenos Aires during the week leading up to May 25, 1810. On that day, Viceroy Baltasar Cisneros was removed and the First Junta took office, with Cornelio Saavedra as its president.[2]
The Junta initially governed in the name of Spain’s King Ferdinand VII. The events began a longer political process; Argentina’s declaration of independence came later, on July 9, 1816. May Revolution Day and Independence Day therefore commemorate different milestones.[2][4]
How the day is commemorated
The date is observed as a civic anniversary of the First Junta and Argentina’s early self-government. One official account describes a crowd gathering in Plaza de Mayo to mark the day and celebrate popular sovereignty.[4]
National cultural events have included concerts, history exhibits, folk dance performances and hot chocolate at museums in Buenos Aires. These are examples from a past government programme, not a guaranteed annual schedule; check local listings for events and opening hours.[5]
Practical effects
As a nationwide public holiday, May 25 can affect ordinary work and public services. Government offices close; check local information for shops and public transport.[1]
The Central Bank of Argentina publishes an annual calendar of banking holidays for financial entities. It also lists electronic wallets, ATMs, home banking, mobile banking and card payments among the operations available during banking holidays; check its latest calendar and your bank’s service notices before making plans.[6]
May Revolution Day FAQ
When is May Revolution Day?
It is observed every May 25. The law classifies it as an immovable national holiday, so the date does not move to another weekday.[1]
What does the holiday commemorate?
Is it a day off work?
Are banks and shops open?
The Central Bank publishes a yearly calendar of banking holidays for financial entities, so check its latest listing for branch service. Shop hours vary; confirm with individual businesses. Some electronic banking operations are listed as available during banking holidays.[6]
Sources and references
Sources used for May Revolution Day in Argentina:
- TEXTO ORIGINAL - Ley 27399 - LEY DE ESTABLECIMIENTO DE FERIADOS Y FINES DE SEMANAS LARGOS- Argentina.gob.ar
- 25 de mayo de 1810 – Día de la Revolución de Mayo y Primer Gobierno Patrio- Argentina.gob.ar
- TEXTO ACTUALIZADO - Ley 20744 - LEY DE CONTRATO DE TRABAJO- Argentina.gob.ar
- 25 de mayo: Día de la Patria- Argentina.gob.ar
- Conocé las actividades para celebrar el 25 de mayo 1810- Ministerio de Cultura de la Nación
- Consultá feriados bancarios- Banco Central de la República Argentina