Malvinas Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malvinas Day |
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War Memorial in Buenos Aires, with permanent honour guard
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| Date | 2 April |
| Next time | 2 April 2026 |
| Frequency | annual |
Malvinas Day, officially called the Day of the Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas War, is an important public holiday in Argentina. It is celebrated every year on April 2. This special day remembers the brave soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the Falklands War. The Falkland Islands are known as Islas Malvinas in Spanish.
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Why Do We Celebrate Malvinas Day?
Malvinas Day is a time to honor the Argentine soldiers who died during the Falklands War. This war began on April 2, 1982, when Argentina tried to take control of the islands. During the 74-day conflict, 649 Argentines lost their lives. This included 633 military members and 16 civilians. The holiday helps people remember their sacrifice.
When Was Malvinas Day Created?
Malvinas Day was first introduced on November 22, 2000. Before this, Argentina celebrated a different holiday on June 10. That holiday was called the "Day of Argentine Sovereignty over the Malvinas, Sandwich and South Atlantic Islands." It remembered when Luis Vernet was made governor of the islands in 1829. Malvinas Day replaced that older holiday.
Other Related Holidays
It is interesting to know that Malvinas Day is not celebrated in the Falkland Islands themselves. Instead, the Falkland Islands have their own special day called Liberation Day. This day is celebrated on June 14 and marks the end of the war. There is also another day called Falklands Day on August 14. This day celebrates the first time an Englishman, John Davis, saw the Falkland Islands in 1592.
See Also
- Argentina–United Kingdom relations
