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Bolivians proclaimed their independence from Spain in 1809, but it took 16 years of struggle to actually gain it in 1825. Spain had ruled the area since the 16th century. The country was named for its revolutionary hero, Simón Bolívar, who, with José San Martín, led the Battle of Ayacucho in 1824 that resulted in the end of Spanish rule of Bolivia and Peru. Independence Day is a public holiday, celebrated over two days including August 6, with parades and dancing in the streets of La Paz and Sucre. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary