Bolivia Marks 200 Years of Independence With Ceremonial Events in Sucre

‘Long live the Bolivian people! Rather than live as slaves, we would die!’ President Arce said.

Bolivia is celebrating its 200th anniversary of independence on Wednesday with a series of ceremonial events that began at 8 a.m. in Plaza 25 de Mayo in the city of Sucre. President Luis Arce led the ceremony, accompanied by national authorities, international delegations and special guests.

“Today we mark 200 years of history since that August of 1825, when the united provinces of Upper Peru freely decided in Chuquisaca to form an independent republic. After more than 15 years of struggle against Spanish colonial rule and hundreds of years of Indigenous resistance, Bolivia was born as a full affirmation of freedom in the face of oppression. Our history is filled with heroic deeds in which the Bolivian people were the true fighters and victors,” Arce said on social media.

“One of the victories the people achieved through their struggle was the founding of the Plurinational State, a new organization of the state that includes everyone. Bolivia has come a long way, and it is now up to all of us to preserve what has been accomplished.”

“Nothing and no one is above the conquests of our people. From anti-colonial struggles to the present day, we are a people of victors who know how to rise in the face of adversity! For centuries we have walked, dreaming, resisting, fighting and winning! Long live Bolivia’s Bicentennial! Long live the Bolivian people! Rather than live as slaves, we would die!” the Bolivian president emphasized.

The opening ceremony included the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem in front of the House of Liberty, the starting point of the Bicentennial program.

Following the solemn ceremony, the president received official greetings from heads of state, vice presidents and foreign ministers from Latin American countries who took part in the commemorative events.

Festivities continued with a welcome for international delegations joining in the celebration of two centuries of the nation’s independent life. In the afternoon, the program included a performance by an artistic troupe from India and a musical show by renowned Bolivian charango player Alfredo Coca.

The day’s events will conclude with a special concert by the Venezuelan Youth Symphony Orchestra at Gran Mariscal Theater at 8 p.m. Celebrations will wrap up Thursday with the Grand Military Parade, the final official act marking Bolivia’s 200 years of independence.

(These are not the actual pieces played as the ceremony is still on the go, but they are my selection, having been in love with the Venezuelan Youth Symphony Orchestra for years, since they had to make their own instruments because of sanctions. If Symphony is not your favorite, listen to one piece only where Gustavo Dudamel has the kids in his hands and they respond beautifully to make magnificent music. It starts at just after 5.14 and is called Danzon Number 2).