On October 16, 1817, Manuel Carlos Piar, one of Latin America’s most significant yet often overlooked freedom fighters, was executed. Over two centuries later, in 2024, his legacy inspires efforts to recover forgotten histories and honor those who fought for justice in Curaçao and beyond.
Piar’s Role in Curaçao’s 1804 Victory: A Forgotten Triumph
Though Piar is best known for his role in Venezuela’s independence, his contributions to Curaçao’s defense against foreign occupation in 1804 deserve equal recognition. During the early 19th century, British forces attempted to seize Curaçao, viewing the island as a strategic asset in the Caribbean. Piar and his comrade Luis Brion played a critical role in successfully defending the island from the British incursion.
The well-trained and heavily armed British troops sought to occupy Curaçao. However, Piar’s strategic insight and his leadership on the battlefield helped the local forces fend off the British and secure the island’s freedom. This victory was not just a military triumph but a profoundly symbolic moment for Curaçao’s people, who celebrated their successful defense alongside Piar and Brion.
This triumph came to be commemorated as “Victory Day” in Curaçao, a day when the population, led by Piar and Brion, celebrated their unity and strength in the face of external threats. Despite being under constant pressure from European powers, the people of Curaçao demonstrated their resilience and determination to remain free. Piar’s leadership in this victory remains a vital part of the island’s history, though it has not always been fully acknowledged in the broader narrative of his life.
Piar and Curaçao: A Hero’s Hidden Legacy
Beyond his military prowess, Piar’s family played a crucial role in an underground network in Curaçao, providing refuge to enslaved people and Venezuelan revolutionaries. Their home in Rif Otrobanda was a haven for those fleeing oppression. Piar’s father, a pilot ship captain, used his vessel to transport these escapees to Venezuela, where they could find freedom after converting to Catholicism. This lesser-known aspect of Piar’s life highlights his deep commitment to liberty and justice, not only for his fellow revolutionaries but for enslaved people in Curaçao.
A Tragic End
Despite his heroic deeds, tensions with Simón Bolívar led to Piar’s downfall. Accused of rebellion and treason, Piar was executed on October 16, 1817, in Angostura. His execution remains a controversial moment in Latin American history, with some viewing it as necessary to maintain unity within the revolutionary forces. In contrast, others see it as a tragic betrayal of a man who had devoted his life to the cause of freedom.
Rediscovering Piar’s Legacy
In 2024, efforts to recover Piar’s story are gaining momentum, particularly in Curaçao, where his contributions to the island’s history have been overshadowed. Thanks to new research and creative projects, the untold aspects of Piar’s life, especially his role in the 1804 defense of Curaçao, are being brought to the forefront.
A key initiative in this effort is the upcoming RAIS (Rekobrando Atraves di Investigashon Spirutu di Pasado) website, led by Tico Vos. This project aims to recover forgotten historical figures like Piar and inspire Curaçao’s present and future generations through dynamic storytelling. By shedding light on Piar’s military achievements, his role in the island’s underground resistance, and his connection to Venezuela’s independence movement, RAIS hopes to foster a greater understanding of Curaçao’s pivotal place in regional history.
A Hero for All Time
Manuel Carlos Piar’s life was a tapestry of struggle, resilience, and sacrifice. His crucial role in defending Curaçao from British occupation in 1804, his leadership in Venezuela’s independence movement, and his family’s efforts to support the enslaved population demonstrate his far-reaching impact.
As Curaçao celebrates Victory Day, Piar’s leadership in the battle of 1804 and his lifelong fight for freedom should be remembered as an integral part of the island’s rich history. The soon-to-be-launched RAIS website will ensure that this legacy inspires future generations and reminds us of the enduring fight for justice.
Tico Vos is a professional photographer, producer, and tourism specialist. He has been documenting the History, Culture, and News of Curaçao. This site is a documentation of the history of Manuel Carlos Piar.
