Uruguay commemorates September 19 as a significant date in the nation’s history, marking the origins of its traditional political organizations, the Colorado and Blanco parties. The historical event took place in 1836 at Carpintería, located in the fifth section of the Durazno Department.
The conflict involved forces led by Manuel Oribe and Fructuoso Rivera. During the battle, the need to distinguish between the two sides led to the use of colored fabric strips taken from the linings of ponchos. This change was necessitated because the colors of the national flag, which had been used as identifiers, were difficult to distinguish from one another due to wear and weather conditions.
This accidental development established the color-coded identities that have characterized both parties throughout their history, spanning both armed conflicts and subsequent civic participation in democratic elections. The emergence of these parties is considered a fundamental element of the Uruguayan Republic’s institutional development.
The historical narrative emphasizes that the existence of political parties is essential for the functioning of a democratic state. Despite periods of proscription and internal conflict, these organizations have persisted as defenders of democratic values and the representative republican regime. The legacy of these parties continues to play a central role in the country’s political life, transcending the divisions of the past to support the ongoing stability of national institutions.
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