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Discover the Liberating Legacy: Top 6 Fun Facts About Simon Bolivar You Never Knew!

illustration of simon-bolivar
Dive into the intriguing world of Simon Bolivar, the revolutionary legend, as we uncover some lesser-known tidbits that might just make you the life of your next dinner party!

1. Party Planner Extraordinaire

If Simon Bolivar were a contemporary world leader, he'd be the ultimate party planner extraordinaire! With his extraordinary emancipation skills, he'd like to "unshackle" dance floors across South America in epic fiestas of freedom: Bolivar, fondly known as "El Libertador," played a pivotal role in liberating several nations from Spanish rule, including Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia in the early 19th century. His enduring legacy lives on through commemorative monuments, annual festivities, and even his name emblazoned on national currencies.
Source => nationalgeographic.org

2. South American Founding Father

Well, slap some chopped wigs and horse teeth on Simon Bolivar because he was basically a South American founding father: A staunch abolitionist, he drew inspiration from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and even sent his nephew to the University of Virginia. His revolutionary leadership left an everlasting impact on Latin America, as he played a crucial role in establishing Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and (drumroll, please) Venezuela – which was literally named after him! Break out the pinatas, for July 24 commemorates the one and only Simon Bolivar Day.
Source => nationalgeographic.org

3. Bolivia's Complicated Hero

Bolivia might be feeling possessive about Simon Bolivar, their ultimate "It's Complicated" relationship status on the path to independence: This national heartbreaker, also known as the "Libertador," led the country to break free from Spanish rule and became their most celebrated hero with streets, parks, and monuments named in his honor across the nation.
Source => nationsonline.org

4. Superhero Aspirations on a Hill

Imagine if climbing a hill could give you superhero aspirations, cape and all: That’s exactly what happened to Simon Bolivar during his Grand Tour of Italy in 1805. He scaled the Mons Sacer in Rome, where Roman plebs once threw a legendary hissy fit and seceded from the city. Bolivar was so pumped up by their rebellious spirit that he vowed to end Spanish rule in the Americas and embarked on a journey to become "El Libertador," successfully earning his cape and a permanent spot in history books.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Iron Butt Bolivar

5. Iron Butt Bolivar

Have you ever been told you're "hard as nails" and wondered, how would that look like in a human form? Well, imagine no further, and meet Simon Bolivar, a.k.a the "Iron Butt": This revolutionary figure sported legendary endurance on horseback, securing him the cheeky nickname while he valiantly led the fight for independence in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama from Spain during the 19th century.
Source => reddit.com

6. Original Backpacker Bolivar

In a world before Lonely Planet and endless travel blogs, Simon Bolivar was the original backpacker, wandering through Europe in search of inspiring people, places, and the perfect pizza: During his Grand Tour to Italy from 1805 to 1807, he rubbed elbows with the likes of Pope Pius VII and French writer Germaine de Staël.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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