All Things Bolivia

Mother’s Day in Bolivia

In Bolivia, Mother’s Day is about remembering a group of brave women who stood up to defend their families and their city during a difficult time in history. Every year on May 27, Bolivians honor the Heroines of the Hill (Las Heroínas de la Coronilla), women from Cochabamba who took part in a key moment during the country’s War of Independence.

The Story Behind Bolivia’s Mother’s Day

It was 1812, and most of Bolivia’s men were away fighting in other parts of the country. That left the city of Cochabamba vulnerable to Spanish troops sent to stop the independence movement. The commander expected to find an empty and weak city—but what he found was something else entirely.

Led by Manuela Gandarillas, a nearly blind woman from the city, women, children, and elders climbed San Sebastián Hill, also known as La Coronilla, to form a resistance. With few resources and no formal training, they faught the Spanish forces as best they could. Many lost their lives that day, but their effort left a lasting impression. These women came to be known as the Heroines of the Hill (Heroínas de la Coronilla), remembered for their determination and love for their families and their land and symbolizing the spirit of Bolivia’s struggle for independence.

A Place Full of History

San Sebastián Hill isn’t just a historical site—it also has archaeological value. Over the years, gold treasures from the Tiwanaku culture have been found in the area. Today, there’s a statue at the top of the hill in honor of the women who fought there, and their image appears on the 10 Bolivianos bill, helping keep their story alive.

A National Monument and Its Legacy

On October 20, 1929, President Hernando Siles declared the site a National Monument.

The idea and effort behind the monument were led by Sara Ugarte de Salamanca, president of the Sociedad 27 de Mayo.

The statue was created by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Pietro Piraino.

Although it was intended to be inaugurated in 1925 for Bolivia’s centennial, it was officially unveiled a year later.

At the top of the monument stands a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, placed as the spiritual protector of the Heroines.

More than 20,000 people attended the inauguration ceremony in 1926.

A Different Kind of Mother’s Day

That’s why Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 27 in Bolivia—not just to recognize mothers, but to remember a specific group of women who took action when it was most needed. It’s a way of saying thank you to the women of Bolivia, past and present, for their strength, care, and courage in everyday life.