Legislation to recognize Venezuelan Independence Day introduced in state House
Rep. Danilo Burgos April 20, 2026 | 3:23 PM
HARRISBURG, April 20 – To mark the nation’s 215th anniversary, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., have introduced legislation that would recognize Venezuelan Independence Day in Pennsylvania.
The legislation, H.R. 486, would recognize July 5, 2026, as Venezuelan Independence Day. Venezuela became the first nation in the Americas to declare independence from Spain on July 5, 1811, which led to a wave of independence movements across Latin America.
“Venezuela’s long-fought war for independence marked extraordinary courage and sacrifice that reshaped world history,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, who chairs the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. “Venezuelan independence led other Latin American nations to seek independence, and the Venezuelan community in both their nation and Pennsylvania continues to shape the future.
“I am honored to lead this effort to commemorate this historic day and uplift the contributions Venezuelans have made to our Commonwealth.”
"Recognizing Venezuelan Independence Day here in Pennsylvania is a powerful way to honor the resilience, courage, and spirit of the Venezuelan people,” said Burgos. “Their fight for freedom not only shaped a nation, but inspired movements across the continent. I’m proud to recognize and celebrate the vibrant Venezuelan community right here in Pennsylvania, whose cultural and economic contributions continue to strengthen our Commonwealth.”
Pennsylvania and Venezuela share a connected history of independence, with many revolutionary ideas that inspired Venezuela’s independence movement coming out of Philadelphia.
This history is reflected today with Venezuelan revolutionary Francisco de Miranda, an acquaintance of George Washington, having a statue outside the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The statue was gifted to the city by the government of Venezuela in 1977.
The Legislative Latino Caucus plans to recognize Venezuelan Independence Day with a celebration on June 17 in the state Capitol. More details about this event will be available at a later date.