Central American Independence Day Celebrations: September 15th

The annual celebrations mark the end of Spanish rule. Central American people won the new freedoms without bloodshed. Guatemala's Declaration of Independence included neighbors in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. They were also referred to as the United Provinces of Central America or the Kingdom of Guatemala.

These countries, plus Panama and Belize, make up modern Central America, located between Mexico and South America. All of those countries together make up Latin America.

In Mexico, Independence Day is on September 16. There are many similarities between Mexico and Central America's Independence Day celebrations.

From Chiapas in the south of Mexico to its Caribbean coast, people mark the historical beginning of the Mexican empire's revolt against Spain and colonial power. While the five Central American countries celebrate their freedoms secured through the independence movement culminating in the declaration of independence.

For a whole month, starting each September, Central American countries celebrate with unique traditions, from parades to piñatas, dancing in the streets, and speeches from public officials.

Let's look at the history of the independence days and how people celebrate in different countries.

A Brief History of Central American Countries' Independence Days

Spaniards first established settlements in Central America in the early 1500s. This led to clashes, revolts, and wars between the indigenous Aztec and Mayan people and Spanish conquerors.

During America's civil war, the American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, there were clashes between the British and the Spanish on Nicaraguan territory.

Britain also went on an offensive in the Caribbean. However, it wasn't until decades later that the Peninsula War, and the ousting of King Ferdinand VII from the Spanish throne, allowed revolts in El Salvador and Nicaragua against Spanish forces.

These revolts led to the Spanish Constitution of 1812, the first step towards Central America's independence. This proclamation affirmed national sovereignty but was short-lived, as it was repealed in 1814 when Ferdinand VII regained the throne and abolished the constitution.

In 1821, the provincial council of Guatemala joined forces with other Central American leaders from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras to draft, debate, and ultimately sign the proclamation that would come to be known as the Act of Independence for Central America.

How does each country celebrate its Independence Day?

Beginning on September 9th, a torch symbolizing freedom is carried from Guatemala to Costa Rica's colonial capital, Cartago, just east of San José.

It is passed hand to hand and relayed on foot through all five countries celebrating independence on September 15th. In addition, lanterns are often carried through the streets as a traditional symbol of hope.

But the celebrations often begin much sooner than that and happen simultaneously as the torch passes through each country. Food, dancing, parades, and music are all part of the celebratory festivities, and each country celebrates its national pride uniquely!

On September 11th, the torch changes hands at "Las Manos," the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. Ministers exchange the torch from one to another. The following day is filled with regional festivals.

Finally, the torch is then passed at the southern border, "Peñas Blancas," between the Nicaraguan and Costa Rican Ministers of Education.

Photo credit: Alberto Font, The Tico Times

Nicaragua Independence Day

Nicaraguans crowd the capital city of Managua to celebrate Independence Day with a big competition. It's a battle of the bands called Festival Nacional de Bandas Rítmicas. Students perform and compete for a panel of judges. The groups meld together traditional music with rhythmic dancing.

Nicaraguans have a long history of standing against those who want to claim their land and its people. For example, in 1520, a conquistador arrived in Panama, and the Spaniards tried to conquer Nicaragua. The attempt failed.

In Nicaragua, the Central American Patrimonial festivities begin on the first day of September, as they celebrate with parades with marching bands from local schools participating. On September 15th, the Act of Independence of Central America is read in all state schools. In the past, one of their celebratory activities on the day of independence included a musical festival,

By 1808 Spain was vulnerable after fighting in Europe's Peninsular war. And a French nobleman became King Joseph of Spain.

King Ferdinand then ascended to the Spanish throne, and on September 15, 1821, the Province of Guatemala declared the Act of Independence of Central America.

Costa Rica Independence Day

Word of the country's newly won freedom didn't reach Costa Ricans until a month after the declaration of independence was proclaimed in Guatemala City.

Soon Costa Rica's first constitution was put in place.

September is called "Homeland's Month" in Costa Rica.

Independence Day celebrations kick off on September 14 at 6:00 pm all across the country as people join in an enthusiastic singing of the National Anthem.

Then the Desfile de Faroles, the parade of homemade lanterns, begins. The lanterns symbolize the original freedom torch. The parade is followed by a big fireworks show.

The 15th of September brings a big parade of school marching bands and children dressed in traditional costumes.

Like most places across the globe, food is an important part of the party. Local favorites are commonly sold from stands on the side of roads with offerings including arroz con pollo, fried yucca, tamales, black beans and rice, coconut flan, and tres leches.

El Salvador Independence Day

September 15 is a National Holiday in El Salvador. It's a celebration marking the Republic of El Salvador's freedom from Spain in 1821 and a brotherly unification with its neighbors in Central America.

El Salvador's Independence Day celebrations start bright and early at 7 a.m., with schools participating in a massive parade with dancing and marching. They also have a military parade to commemorate the day.

El Salvador shows solidarity with regional neighbors by starting each Independence Day parade with a procession of cars decorated with the flags of the other four Central American Countries. All of those who share this historic day of freedom from Spanish rule.

Originally El Salvador was populated by Indigenous Cuzcatlecs and some Mayans.

Guatemala Independence Day

On September 15, streets become a sea of blue and white each year to show national pride and thankfulness for Central American independence.

Guatemala begins preparing for Independence Day festivities well in advance of the national holiday. First, kids rehearse dances and musical performances. Then, it's like a huge party, with more dancing, music, parades, lots of food, and a fireworks display.

Like other Latin countries, Independence Day celebrations feature young people. Marching bands and school groups perform, and it's a great honor to be chosen to participate. Parade-goers are treated to rousing heavy percussion mixed with traditional Guatemalan marimba pieces.

Honduras Independence Day

A Honduran lawyer drafted the Act of Independence of Central America.

Independence day celebrations kick off on the first of September in Honduras. Every town has parades. Some of the celebrations close down main highways for the festivities.

Honduras begins celebrating independence day with Flag Day on September 6th and more celebrations on September 15th.

Honduras shares borders with Guatemala and El Salvador, where people all celebrate Independence Day on September 15. The country is touched by both the Atlantic and the Pacific.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

In the United States, contributions by Hispanic people to America's culture and history are recognized and celebrated. Created in the 20th century, National Hispanic Heritage Month is officially every year from September 15 to October 15.

There are art shows highlighting Hispanic artistic talents throughout the month, community gatherings, and festivals. The celebrations grow each year as America's Hispanic population grows.

The Act of Independence of Central America is also recognized and celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Other Independence Days in Latin America

• Mexico Independence Day
• Colombia Independence Day
• Peru Independence Day
• Other Fall Traditions from Around the World

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