Guatemala is a country which is situated in Central America and it borders Mexico and it is also the most populous country in the Central America with a population of over 17 million.
Guatemala celebrates its Independence Day annually on 15th September from the Spanish Empire like the rest of the Central American countries. As Guatemala declared its independence from Spain on 15th September, 1821.
It is a national holiday in the country with celebrations usually filled with colorful parades, concerts, and numerous civic campaigns. The local cuisines and beautiful Mayan designs on display during the Guatemala Independence Day have become a major tourist attraction.
| Event | Guatemala Independence Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 15, 2022 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Significance | Celebrates Guatemala's declaration of independence from Spain in 1821 |
| Observed by | Guatemala |
Guatemala Independence Day History:
Guatemala is very important in our history as it was the epicenter of the Mayan civilization and so still there is a large number of Mayan people living in the country today. And that's why Guatemala holds a prominent place in the Central American region. And it has a long history which goes way back before the Spanish conquest of the Americas.
During their conquest the Spanish colonists faced incredible Mayan resistance and that's why it took almost two centuries for them to defeat them. It finally came with the initial efforts of Conqueror Pedro de Alvarado and Guatemala totally came under the Spanish rule by around the mid 1550s.
Then In 1821, Fernando VII's power in Spain was weakened by French invasions and other conflicts, and seeking the opportunity Mexico declared the Plan de Iguala which led Mariano Aycinena y Pinol and other criollos to demand the weak Captain General Gabino Gaínza to declare Guatemala and the rest of Central America as an independent entity.
Then at a public meeting in Guatemala City on September 15, 1821, the Captaincy General of Guatemala, which included Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras, officially declared its independence from Spain and this Independence Day commemorate this event only.
Then after a brief war with the Spanish Empire the Spanish rule finally ended in the Central America and Guatemala became part of the Mexican Empire for some time later it formed the Federal Republic of Central America with all of the other Central American countries. But this didn't go well as soon a three year civil war erupted between 1826-1829 in Central America.
From this war emerged the dominant figure of the Honduran general Francisco Morazán. And he invaded Guatemala in 1829 and occupied the country. However this also didn't last long and Guatemala came out as independent from Federal Republic of Central America in 17th April, 1839.
However just like the other Central American countries Guatemala celebrates its Independence Day annually on 15th September from the Spanish Empire only.
Guatemala Independence Day Significance:
Even though the country has had many political struggles and changes in power over the years and has seen very tough times in its history, Guatemala Independence Day gives Guatemalans a chance to celebrate their freedom from Spanish rule and show the world different parts of Guatemalan culture.
The Spanish Empire ruled the Guatemalan territory for a long term of period of over 250 years and during these years the Guatemala was robbed of its resources and wealth to fill the Spanish treasury. And Guatemalans faced high discrimination and persecution from their Spanish rulers especially against the Mayan people of the country.
So this day also works a remembrance of the dark past of Guatemala that how they have suffered their colonial rule and that's why urges all of the Guatemalan people to come together as one and show unity so that no outsider can ever colonize them again. And it also gives a hope to the Guatemalan people of a better future if all the Guatemalan people works together in taking their country forward without any discrimination and inequality.
It also ignites a wave of patriotism among the Guatemalan people and gives them an opportunity to express their love for the country and to showcase their pride and celebrate the Guatemalan culture, cuisine and its people. And it also makes people realize the importance of freedom that the Guatemalans had to fight a long battle to achieve independence in the past and that's why the freedom and independence should never taken for granted.
Overall it is a day of celebrations for all the Guatemalan people to put aside their differences and celebrate this Independence Day with great joy, pride and enthusiasm and spreading the spirit of independence to every corner of the country. This day also gives people chance to show their admiration for the Guatemalan culture and people.
Guatemala Independence Day Celebrations:
One of the most popular aspects of the celebrations is the parade of beautifully dressed children that often takes place in the main square of each town or city all over the country. Representing different regions of Guatemala, the children march in colorful costumes and perform traditional dances on this day.
Many local communities also put on cultural performances to commemorate Guatemala’s independence. These performances can include dances and music performances representimg Guatemalan culture and patriotic theme songs as well as displays of traditional Maya dresses and crafts. Like children also perform traditional marimba routines accompanied by customary dances from revellers dressed in trajes, costumes of long skirts and colourful lace shirts featuring traditional Mayan designs.
Large crowds from different regions of Guatemala gather at the Obelisco in Guatemala City for the torch-lighting ceremony and other patriotic festivities on this day as that's where the main event takes place. Once their torches are lit, they carry them back to their communities.
Many groups run throughout the night to reach their communities on the 15th. They wear blue and white, paint their faces, and wave Guatemalan flags to show their national pride. They also blow whistles as expressions of joy.
The independence celebrations usually feature a wide variety of local and international cuisines prepared by professional chefs. And this Day offers a great chance for the visitors to taste the amazing Guatemalan cuisine. Families and many stalls on this day prepares many popular dishes like tortillas, tostadas, tacos and other traditional foods.
Fireworks displays are a major common sight during independence celebrations in Guatemala in which each town or city stages a fireworks show. The displays are typically set off from prominent locations such as churches or town squares and can last for hours. And it offers an amazing view to all of the spectators so definitely it is must observe sight on this day.
Most Searched FAQs on Guatemala Independence Day:
1. When is Guatemala Independence Day is celebrated?
Guatemala Independence Day is celebrated annually on 15th September.
2. From whom did Guatemala got its independence?
Guatemala got its independence from Spain.
3. What is the currency of Guatemala?
The currency of Guatemala is Guatemalan Quetzal.