The 24 th of July 2017 marks the 234th anniversary of Simon Bolivar. So how is it that, two and half centuries later, this man is still such a prominent historical figure, who still inspires millions in their fight for human rights? Let’s retrace the remarkable story of his life, to find out why his values are still relevant today.

Venezuela´s Independence was forged during an arduous period of battles, which took place between 1810 and 1823. Although it took 13 years until the country achieved full Independence, it was one of the first Latin American colonies to stirred up against the Spanish Empire and set an example followed but its neighbouring countries.

Led by Simón Bolívar, the Patriotic Army fought against the Royal Spanish Army following its desire to end a colonist period of almost 300 years. The 5th of July of 1811 the country declare its independence which led to a war until the 24th of July of 1823 when the Battle of Lake Maracaibo put an end to the years of war after the victory of José Prudencio Padilla´s forces against royalist Ángel Laborde. Venezuela became since then, a part of the Federal Republic of Gran Colombia, presided by Bolívar. Seven years later, after the dissolution of this entity in 1830, Venezuela became finally, an independent country.