On July 16th 1809 Pedro Domingo Murillo led a group of rebels called the Junta Tuitiva in rebellion against the Spanish authorities, one of the first uprisings against Spanish rule in South America. The rebellion was put down and he was captured and hanged on 29th January 1810; ultimately though it led to Bolivian independence. Both the city and Department of La Paz celebrate their anniversary festivities on this date. Standing behind him are descendents of the members of the Junta Tuitiva.