April 5: Anniversary of the Battle of Maipú in Chile, which defined its independence in 1818, thanks to Chilean Bernardo O'Higgins and Argentine José de San Martín against Spain.

Battle of Maipú, painted in 1837

The Battle of Maipú defined Chilean independence of Spanish subjugation. The battle was fought in the Valley of Maipú, near Santiago, Chile, on April 5 1818, between South American rebels and "Realistic Spanish" during the Chilean War of Independence.

The battle of Maipu, April 5th 1818

Chilean independence were supported by Jose de San Martin to destroy the Spanish forces led by General Mariano Osorio and complete the heart of Chilean independence.

Portrait of Bernardo O'Higgins by José Gil de Castro

In 1817, the Argentine General José de San Martín crossed the Andes and defeated the Spanish troops in the battles of Chacabuco, Chalchuapa and then invaded the city of Santiago de Chile. The success of both generals led to continue the liberation of South American territories up to release his Spanish Peru dependence.

"The Maipú Hug" by painter Pedro Subercaseaux, in which they appear on their horses and Chile and Argentina flags, José de San Martín and Bernardo O'Higgins.