Antonio Ruiz

Who is Antonio Ruiz?

Antonio Ruiz was an Argentine soldier. He is the national hero of Argentina. Falucho is the nickname of Second Corporal Antonio Ruiz, an Afro-Argentine soldier of the Independence War. Ruiz fought in José de San Martín’s army. According to the most common story, Corporal Ruiz, born a slave, served in the Regiment of the River Plate and died while defending the colors of the revolutionary flag against traitors during a revolt at the fort of El Callao, Peru) on February 6, 1824. Rather than hoist the Spanish flag, Falucho chose to be shot by the traitors, crying out with his last breath, Viva Buenos Aires!.