The cross -country woman had and has an important role in regional struggles, history and culture. In September, when 215 years of the libertarian deed, it is time to recod seven notables that left an indelible footprint in the independence struggle, the development and identity of the Cruceños.
“Without the woman, the existence of Santa Cruz and the crossed as identity, they would not be possible,” says Carlos Dabdoub, remembering that two laws, one municipal and another departmental, They declare September 10 as Women’s Day, as a fair recognition of his courage, sacrifice and heroism in the claim of historical rights and struggles.
The exhibition literary whispers of the House of Culture emphasizes that the contribution of women in the War of Independence was crucial, because many remained in anonymity, But they risk their lives for freedom.
Others, at different times, They were ambassadors of the culture and promoter of the Cruceño Development.
Next, we show some of the most prominent:
Ana Barba
Known as La Zarca, for the color of his eyes. He was born in 1795, was a prominent figure in the struggle for independence, recognized for his courage, ingenuity and sacrifice. He played an essential role in patriotic resistance. From the beginning, he actively supported the independence forces, providing resources, organizing logistics and leading groups of women to supply food and medicine to patriots.
After the battle of El Pari (1816), he demonstrated an unparalleled courage. Next to her husband and Cañoto (José Manuel Baca) They recovered Colonel Ignacio Warnes’s headwhich had been exposed by the realists as a war trophy. He organized the flight of the women of Santa Cruz de la Sierra to the North to protect them from the reprisals that the realistic troops undertook against the patriots.
Ana Barba preserved Warnes’s head as a tribute and act of resistance, keeping it protected at home until the consecration of independence, on February 14, 1825.
Florence Mendoza Bazán
Florita was born on July 3, 1799. She was a companion of José Manuel Baca and actively participated in battles, even disguised as a lieutenant. He lived different episodes with Cañoto, including his march to the lands of Salta and his return to Santa Cruz. He survived the death of the singer -songwriter in 1854 and lived more than 70 years.
Francisca López
Panchita contributed to the patriotic cause with money, jewelry and sewing. It was the first to fly the flag after Warnes’s victory in Santa Barbara. Despite being persecuted, she remained firm in her support for the fight, even after being tied to the post where Warnes’s head was exhibited.
Rosa and Micaela Montero
Were imprisoned for refusing to betray José Manuel Mercado. After being captured by the royalists they faced severe punishments and resisted the repression period. After the death of Warnes, Micaela was captured with her son, suffering exile.
Manuela Velasco de Ibáñez
Sister of former president José Miguel de Velasco, stood out for her gesture of pay 4,000 pesos of your own assets, in April 1814which prevented the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra from suffering consequences of a war imposed by Manuel Ignacio Blanco. His act saved the population from a possible looting Already the women of outrages and abuses.
Catalina Polanco
In the Santa Cruz vicereinal, the figure of Catalina emerged, a woman who left traces in the economic and social history of the region. He ventured into the administration of sugar mills and made way for the businesswoman, uncommon in a time dominated by men.
Gladys Moreno
One of the most emblematic voices of crossed music. Your interpretation of topics such as Long live Santa Cruz last timeturning it into a cultural icon of the region. It was awarded with the highest distinction of the Bolivian State, the Andes condor for its contribution to culture. In apple one pays tribute to a statue.
Women’s Day Cruceña
In 2015, the Municipal Government declared, through Law 066/2015, on September 10 on Women’s Day, such as the purpose of paying fair tribute and “recognition to women, fighters, entrepreneurs, workers, mothers, example of strength for present and future generations, which provide day by day through their excessive efforts and selfless to social, economic, economic and cultural development of the cross -country society”. In 2024, the Government also promulgated a law by extending this commemoration throughout the department of Cruz.
