In the week leading up to this significant protest, Juan Perón had been apprehended by military authorities, who feared his growing popularity and influence among Argentine workers. Perón played a crucial role in promoting workers' rights and was associated with the labor movement. His detention was seen as a direct threat to the empowerment of the working class, prompting widespread unrest among union members and Perón's loyalists. On October 17, a coalition of labor unions, as well as ordinary citizens, gathered in the Plaza de Mayo, a central location in Buenos Aires, to voice their demands.

The protest grew rapidly, with estimates of participants ranging from hundreds of thousands to a million people. The demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans, expressing their unwavering support for Perón and calling for his immediate release. The event was characterized by passionate speeches, including influential oratory from Perón's associates who rallied the crowd. As the protest gained momentum, it drew attention not only from the military leaders but also from the general public and international observers, marking a pivotal moment in Argentine politics.

As tension escalated, the military government reconsidered its stance, recognizing that suppressing the protest could lead to more significant unrest. Ultimately, the demonstration solidified Juan Perón's status as a champion of the workers, and within a few days, he was released from custody. This event played a vital role in setting the stage for his ascension to the presidency in 1946 and reshaped the landscape of Argentine politics, demonstrating the power of organized labor and public sentiment.