British San Martín Institute

29/08/2025

CONMEMORATIONS IN PLAZA BANFF, BUENOS AIRES │ On 26 August 2025, Plaza Ciudad de Banff in Buenos Aires became the setting for a heartfelt tribute to General José de San Martín, marking the anniversary of his being awarded the Freedom of Banff in 1824.

The ceremony opened with the Buenos Aires Scottish Guard, proudly bearing the Argentine and Scottish flags and accompanied by the stirring sound of a bagpiper. This evocative procession blended ceremonial precision with solemn remembrance, drawing together neighbours, local officials, and representatives of various organisations.

Historian Susana Boragno, who has visited Banff, retraced the Liberator’s 1824 journey and shared the story behind the naming of Plaza Ciudad de Banff, illuminating the historical ties between Argentina and Scotland.

John Hunter BEM, Vice-Chairman of the Argentine-British Community Council, read a letter from the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, Andrew Simpson, followed by a joint message from Ian Williams (Chair, Friends of Duff House), Mhairi McKean (Secretary, Banff Preservation and Heritage Society and the Museum of Banff), and John Cox (Chair, Banff Castle Community Association). Both letters warmly celebrated the occasion and expressed hopes for continued friendship between the Scottish and Argentine peoples.

Juan Manuel Oro, President of the local council, expressed his delight at the ceremony and his hope that residents would gain a deeper understanding of the significance behind the square’s name.

Tony Kay OBE of the British Embassy congratulated the organisers and highlighted the event’s importance in strengthening Argentina–UK relations, extending an open invitation to all attendees to visit Banff.

In a moving gesture of cross-continental camaraderie, Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Simpson presented a Banffshire flag to John Hunter—a flag originally bestowed upon him in Banff on 19 August 2024. It now resides in the public library near Plaza Ciudad de Banff, serving as a living emblem of shared heritage.

The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative marble plaque dated 19 August 2025, marking the 201st anniversary of San Martín’s recognition in Banff and honouring the Libertador’s enduring bond with Scotland.

Warm congratulations are due to the organisers for orchestrating such a dignified and resonant event. Their efforts have not only honoured a pivotal moment in history but have also inspired renewed engagement with the legacy of San Martín and the values he represents. This tribute stands as a shining example of cultural diplomacy and community remembrance at its finest.

Informally represented the BSMI, the parents of our member Andrés Di Fiore, who live very close to the Plaza Ciudad de Banff in Buenos Aires, and shared with us these pictures!

ABCC - Argentine-British Community Council
Banff & Macduff: Two Towns - BIG Ideas
Banffshire - Lord-Lieutenant
Banff Preservation and Heritage Society and Museum of Banff

26/08/2025

COMMEMORATIONS IN LONDON FOR THE 175th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE DEATH OF GENERAL JOSÉ DE SAN MARTÍN (1778-1850)

A commemorative ceremony was held to mark the 175th anniversary of the passing into immortality of General José de San Martín.

Her Excellency Mariana Plaza, Ambassador of Argentina to the United Kingdom, laid a floral tribute at the statue of General San Martín in Belgrave Square. She was joined by Defence Attaché Commodore Bernardo Odoriz and Marilita Marco, representing the British San Martín Institute.

During the ceremony, special recognition was extended to Marilita Marco for her longstanding dedication to the promotion of San Martín’s legacy in the United Kingdom and her unwavering support for cultural and historical initiatives. Her contribution was warmly acknowledged by both diplomatic and institutional representatives present.

The event was attended by representatives from Latin American defence attaché offices, the Ambassadors of Peru, Ecuador and Uruguay, as well as delegates from the embassies of Chile and Mexico. Members of the Anglo-Argentine Society and APARU were also present.

The Ambassador offered words in honour of General San Martín, accompanied by Juan Dávila y Verdin, Secretary-General of the British San Martín Institute.

Embassy of Argentina in the United Kingdom
The Anglo Argentine Society
APARU

23/08/2025

The British San Martín Institute (BSMI) extends its warmest regards to our esteemed friends at the Embajada de Chile en Reino Unido / Embassy of Chile in the United Kingdom and the Anglo Chilean Society on the anniversary of the birth of Captain General Bernardo O’Higgins. As Chile’s founding father and a towering figure in Latin America’s struggle for independence, O’Higgins remains a symbol of visionary leadership and enduring patriotism. His friendship and collaboration with General José de San Martín exemplify the spirit of transnational solidarity that shaped the emancipatory movements of the early nineteenth century.

British Embassy Santiago

Today we celebrate the birth of Bernardo O’Higgins (August 20, 1778–1842), Chile’s founding father and a key figure in Latin America’s independence movement.

Born in Chillán to Ambrosio O’Higgins, an Irish-born Spanish colonial officer, Bernardo was educated in Peru, Spain, and notably in Richmond, London. His years in the UK exposed him to Enlightenment ideals and revolutionary thought, which deeply influenced his vision for a free and democratic Chile.

O’Higgins returned to South America determined to fight for independence. As Supreme Director of Chile (1817–1823), he led the country to victory against Spanish rule, notably at the Battle of Maipú alongside José de San Martín. He implemented progressive reforms and laid the groundwork for Chile’s republican institutions.

His legacy is honored in both Chile and the UK — with a bust in Richmond and a blue plaque marking his former residence — symbolizing the enduring historical ties between the two nations.

🇨🇱🇬🇧

Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ohiggins.jpg
José Gil de Castro, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

22/08/2025

CONMEMORATIONS IN SCOTLAND │An afternoon fiesta was a first for Banff Castle! Yet this is what happened on Sunday 17th August when people from across the North East of Scotland came together to mark the 175th anniversary of the death of General Jose de San Martín.

Organised by British San Martín Institute in Scotland in partnership with the Friends of Duff House, Banff Preservation and Heritage Society and the Banff Castle Community Centre the afternoon started with the laying of flowers at the araucaria tree which had been planted in 1950 by the Argentinian Ambassador Carlos Hogan.

The event also celebrated the growing partnership between Banff and Argentina, Chile and Peru that dates back to 1824 when General San Martín received the freedom of Banff from his friend James Duff the Fourth Earl Fife.

Banff Castle Community Centre - Banffshire
Banff Preservation and Heritage Society and Museum of Banff
Banffshire - Lord-Lieutenant
Visit Banffshire Coast - Events Explore Activities Relax Eat Stay Play

07/08/2025

SUNDAY 17th AUGUST 2025 │ BANFF CASTLE, SCOTLAND │ 175th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF GENERAL JOSÉ DE SAN MARTÍN

PROGRAM OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY (Free Entry)

13:00 to 17:00: Castle café opens to the public. Drinks, coffee, cakes, ice-cream special (Dulce de leche).
13:30 to 17:00: Food van “El Raco de las Tapas”.
13:30: Banff Castle - doors open to the public
14:00: Memorial and flowers. Mr Andrew Simpson, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire.
14:30: Banff Castle Pipe Band
14:45: Banff 1824 Walking Tour by Alistair Mason
15:00: Deveron River Brass Band
15:30: Turriff Silver Band
16:00: Book Presentation “La Mendocina” by Alejandra Guibert.
17:00: Event closes.

Banffshire - Lord-Lieutenant
Banff Castle Community Centre - Banffshire
Banff Preservation and Heritage Society and Museum of Banff
Visit Banffshire Coast - Events Explore Activities Relax Eat Stay Play

29/07/2025

CONMEMORATIONS IN LONDON | 1821 - 28th July - 2025 | National Day of Peru 🇵🇪

The British San Martin Institute (BSMI) was honoured to be invited to participate in the Embassy of Peru's celebration of the country's National Day, the Fiestas Patrias. In memory of General José de San Martín's declaration of Peru's independence from Spain on 28th July 1821, after nearly 300 years as part of the Spanish Empire, His Excellency the Ambassador of Peru, Ignacio Higueras Hare made an ofrenda floral in the colours of the Peruvian flag at the foot of the Liberator's statue in Belgrave Square. Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, Mariana Plaza, and Her Excellency the Ambassador of Chile, Professor Ximena Fuentes, were also present, alongside military attachés representing the armed forces of Peru. 🇵🇪🇬🇧🇵🇪🇬🇧🇵🇪🇬🇧🇵🇪🇬🇧

The BSMI was represented by Mr. George Bush, member of the Board of the Institute.

Embassy of Peru in the United Kingdom
Anglo Peruvian Society

28/07/2025

1821 - 28th July - 2025 | National Day of Peru 🇵🇪

On July 28, 1821, General José de San Martín (1778-1850) declared Peru's independence from Spanish rule, marking a pivotal moment in the Latin American wars of independence. This event was part of a broader movement across the continent as various regions sought to break free from colonial domination and establish sovereign nations.

Coincidentally, a few days ago, members of the British San Martín Institute in Scotland visited the Peruvian "BAP Unión" in Aberdeen and had the opportunity to celebrate Peru's National Day in advance! 🇵🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇵🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇵🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇵🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

Banff Castle
Banffshire - Lord-Lieutenant
Anglo Peruvian Society
Instituto Sanmartiniano del Perú
Instituto Nacional Sanmartiniano

11/07/2025

IN THE PRESS │ GRAMPIAN ONLINE

"BANFF PRESENTATION CELEBRATES LINK BETWEEN TOWN AND ARGENTINE STATESMAN GENERAL JOSÉ DE SAN MARTÍN"

The bicentenary of San Martín’s visit to Banff was marked with a vibrant tribute, recently featured in Grampian Online. A ceremonial Morion helmet—symbol of Argentina’s presidential guard—was presented at Banff Castle and paraded through the streets, celebrating the historic bond forged over 200 years ago between General San Martín and James Duff, 4th Earl Fife.

The event highlighted cultural diplomacy, historic ties, and the shared values between Scotland and Argentina. Visitors can now see the helmet and a replica of San Martín’s sword on display at the Museum of Banff.

To read more: https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/presentation-to-town-celebrates-its-link-with-argentine-stat-384485/



Grampian Online
Banffshire - Lord-Lieutenant
Banff Castle
Embassy of Argentina in the United Kingdom
Regimiento de Granaderos a Caballo "General San Martín"
Instituto Nacional Sanmartiniano
Banff Preservation and Heritage Society and Museum of Banff

09/07/2025

🇦🇷 INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION OF ARGENTINA: July 9, 1816

On July 9, 1816, Argentina formally declared its independence from Spain at the Congress of Tucumán. Although General José de San Martín was not present, his influence loomed large. Operating from his base in Mendoza, he was preparing to liberate Chile and Peru—an effort that required independence to legitimise his campaign and attract international support.

Aware of the urgency, San Martín famously demanded, “How long must we wait to declare our independence!” His correspondence with key delegates, including Tomás Godoy Cruz, catalysed decisive action. The declaration not only secured Argentina’s freedom but also provided San Martín the political mandate to launch his continental crusade.

With Juan Martín de Pueyrredón appointed Supreme Director, Argentina’s leadership aligned with San Martín’s vision for South American liberation. His strategy seamlessly blended diplomacy and military acumen, laying the groundwork for freedom across the continent.