June 9 – Day of José Trinidad Cabañas

Every June 9th, the birth of General José Trinidad Cabañas Fiallos is celebrated. He was one of the most honorable presidents of Honduras and was known for his profound love for the country and loyalty to General Francisco Morazán.

He was born on June 9, 1805, in the city of Tegucigalpa. His parents were Mr. José María Cabañas Rivera and Mrs. Juana Fiallos. He studied at the Colegio Tridentino in Comayagua and in 1827, he joined the military where he distinguished himself with honor and bravery in all military ranks on the battlefields of the five Central American countries as part of the Federal army.

He was baptized by Father Juan Francisco Márquez on the same day of his birth, and his baptismal record can be found on page 98 of the Ecclesiastical Registry of the Parish Church of San Miguel de Tegucigalpa, now the Cathedral, which records him as Spanish.

Elected president of the Republic of Honduras for the period from March 1, 1852, to October 18, 1855, his presidency was always marked by honesty and responsible management of the people’s money.

Today, General Jose Trinidad Cabañas is considered one of the heroes of Honduras.

Last years of José Trinidad Cabañas

During the last years of his life, General José Trinidad Cabañas retired from politics and settled in Comayagua.

Cabañas passed away on January 8, 1871, at the age of 65. After his death, the government of Honduras bestowed upon him the title of «Soldier of the Nation,» and the Republic of El Salvador named one of its departments after him.

On this June 9th, the National Day of Integrity and the Fight against Corruption is also celebrated by decree issued by the National Congress on November 25, 2011, in honor of the birth of General José Trinidad Cabañas.