La Paz Day is observed in La Paz, Bolivia, every July 16. This municipal holiday commemorates the initiation of an anti-Spanish uprising by Pedro Domingo Murillo in 1809, marking a significant moment in the struggle for South American independence. The celebration begins with a torch lighting ceremony at the Plaza Murillo, followed by a parade through central La Paz, concerts, street fairs, and a fireworks display. La Paz, officially known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, is the de facto national capital of Bolivia and the heart of the most populous urban area in the country. The city was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1548 on the site of an ancient Inca city, named to commemorate the end of Peruvian civil wars. La Paz Day serves as a reminder of the city's historical significance and its role in Bolivia's national identity.