National Sovereignty Day is celebrated every November 20 in commemoration of the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, a historical milestone that took place in 1845. This holiday was approved by Congress and subsequently enacted, becoming a day of reflection and memory in Argentina.
In 2010, then-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner promoted the celebration of this day as a national holiday, officially marking the annual calendar in this regard. This year, in 2024, as it is a movable holiday, the holiday will take place on Monday, November 18, thus providing a long weekend of four days.
Law 20,744 of the Labor Contract establishes the guidelines for holiday pay in Argentina. In the case of this long weekend, retail employees will receive additional pay if they work during National Sovereignty Day. The regulation distinguishes between national holidays and non-working days, regulating Sunday rest and worked days.
The commemoration of this day was proposed by historian José María Rosa in 1974, along with the repatriation of the remains of Juan Manuel de Rosas. During the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, Argentine soldiers repelled an invasion from the Anglo-French army that sought to colonize territories of the country, in an act of resistance and defense of national sovereignty.
The government of Juan Manuel de Rosas, with the support of General José de San Martín, organized the defense against the invading forces that attempted to enter through the Paraná River. Despite being at a disadvantage, the Argentine troops, led by General Lucio Mansilla, managed to prevent enemy forces from occupying the coasts, thus avoiding the invasion of Argentine territory.