Independence of Trujillo facts for kids

The Independence of Trujillo is about how the city of Trujillo and the surrounding northern parts of Peru became free from Spain. This happened during the Peruvian War of Independence, which lasted from 1811 to 1821. The fight for freedom in the north started in Trujillo between 1820 and 1821. It then spread across northern Peru, freeing many regions like Tumbes, Cajamarca, Amazonas, Piura, Ancash, Lambayeque, and San Martín from Spanish rule.

The Casa de la Emancipación (Emancipation House) is where José Bernardo de Tagle planned Trujillo's independence on December 29, 1820. It is in the Historic Centre of Trujillo and now holds cultural exhibits and a museum.

History of Trujillo's Freedom

Getting in Touch with San Martín

In September 1820, General Jose de San Martin arrived in Paracas Bay. He was a very important leader in the fight for independence. On November 20, 1820, he sent a letter to José Bernardo de Tagle, who was the Mayor of Trujillo. San Martín invited Trujillo to join the movement for independence. Mayor Tagle knew that the people of Trujillo wanted to be free. So, he agreed to join the cause.

Trujillo was the first city in Peru to declare its independence from Spain. The important events that led to this freedom happened between December 24, 1820, and January 6, 1821. On December 24, 1820, people gathered for a town meeting. Everyone agreed to declare the city's independence within a few days. After this, they made the first flag of Peru. This flag was guarded with honor on the night of December 28, 1820.

Trujillo: Peru's First Independent City

Trujillo is known as the "First City Independent of Peru." This is because its people were the first to show they wanted independence. They held a special ceremony on December 24, 1820, at the historic "Casa de la Emancipación." They were also the first to sign the declaration of independence. This signing took place in the chapel of the "Seminario de San Carlos y San Marcelo" college.

Then, on December 29, 1820, they officially announced independence. This happened during a large public meeting in the "Plaza de Armas" (main square) in the Historic Centre of Trujillo. According to the "Libro rojo" (Red Book) of the Trujillo council, which has records from 1820 to 1823, they signed the declaration on January 6, 1821. On that day, they officially declared the city independent. Trujillo, which included what are now Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Cajamarca, San Martín, and Amazonas, was finally free from Spanish rule. This meant almost all of northern Peru was liberated.

The historian Alberto Pinillos Rodríguez shared the speech given by Don José Bernardo de Tagle. He proclaimed independence to his people, saying:

"My people. ...From this moment on, by a unanimous decision, Trujillo is Free. I put our fate and that of people under the protection of Heaven Long live the homeland! Long live independence!"

The Freedom Monument stands in the Main Square of Trujillo. The Marquis of Torre Tagle proclaimed Trujillo's independence here on December 29, 1820. The monument was made by sculptor Edmund Moeller.

Celebrating Independence Day

Independence Day of Trujillo is celebrated every year on December 29. It is a special civic holiday in the city. The entire province considers this day a holiday. Many cultural events and ceremonies take place to remember this important day.

See also

In Spanish: Independencia de Trujillo para niños

• Trujillo
• Historic Centre of Trujillo
• Plaza de Armas of Trujillo