Guatemalan national fervor
Weeks before September 15, the different school bands in town are heard around, practicing and getting ready to fill the streets with national fervor to celebrate Guatemalan independence from Spain.
In Guatemala we celebrate Independence Day on September 15, as on this date in 1821, the Independence Act of Central America was signed. Back then Guatemala was made up of the provinces of Chiapas, Comayagua, San Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. A huge territory indeed!
Motivated by the Independence of the United States from great Britain in 1776 and the French Revolution, Central America became independent from the Spanish Government. This feeling of courage and love for their country led many to join in a movement that changed the course of Guatemalan history and all who have been born and raised in this beautiful land.
Nowadays we pay homage to these heroes and celebrate Guatemalan Independence with various parades all over the country. While some hold up the blue and white flag to celebrate our independence, others run carrying in their hands a lit torch, illuminating the roads of the country, kilometers after kilometers, animated by the horns of the vehicles and always with the flame burning.
Each of the celebrations, regardless of how little or much noise they make, remind us that we must keep alive the fire of love and pride for our country and our people. They also remind us that it takes courage, just like the one that filled our ancestors, to defend our homeland.
However, this year due to the restrictions caused by covid-19, celebrations will be low key without parades and antorchas. But, let’s look forward to 2021, which will be the 200th year since independence from Spain. Without doubt, it will be an unforgettably AMAZING celebration!!!!!!
Written by Julissa Carrillo
