Patron Saint Santiago Day in Mendoza Province, Argentina

In the act of foundation of Mendoza, it is stated that Don Pedro del Castillo, determined to establish the city and appoint its chapter, decided to indicate the dedication of the main church, naming San Pedro, whom he took as patron and advocate of the city. There are no chapter minutes that give account of when they began to pay homage to Santiago as patron saint of Mendoza for the first 5 years, which prevents to fix a precise date. But in the minutes of June 22, 1566, the election of Gabriel Cepeda as Royal Ensign is recorded, to whom the standard would be given and who would take the solemn oath as was customary.

In the following years, the minutes record that on the eve of Santiago, the Alferez received the standard and took the oath. And in 1575, the act of July 24 makes explicit mention of the Apostle when it names him "Patron of the Spains and whom this City has as Patron and Advocate". In the same minutes, reference is made to the ceremony of the banner parade during the two days. From the mentioned date, the later documentation gives testimony of the annual reiteration of this ceremony as a definitively established celebration.

In Mendoza it is postulated that Santiago is the shield against the natural problem that most worries the province: the earthquakes. By provincial law 4.081 (1976), July 25 is declared a provincial holiday in honor of the Patron Saint Santiago.

Traditionally, the people of Mendoza have accompanied the image of the Patron Saint in a procession through the streets of downtown.