Which Latin American Countries Celebrate Independence on September 15?

Have you ever wondered why September 15 is significant in Central America? It’s a holiday filled with parades, dancing, and good food. That’s because it marks the date when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain. 

Why Do They Celebrate on September 15? 

These Latin American countries celebrate their independence on September 15 because they all share a common historical event: the signing of the Act of Independence of Central America.  

Representatives from various provinces in Central America gathered in Guatemala City signed the act on September 15, 1821. Together, they signed the document that effectively dissolved Spanish rule in the region and led to the creation of independent republics. 

All five of these countries have had their own fascinating journey to independence. Let’s look at the rich history and cultural celebrations used to mark the occasion. 

Costa Rica 

After gaining independence, Costa Rica, along with other Central American provinces, became part of the short-lived First Mexican Empire under Agustín de Iturbide. After the collapse of the Mexican Empire in 1823, Costa Rica joined the United Provinces of Central America, a federation of Central American states. 

The federation experienced internal conflicts and instability, leading Costa Rica to gradually distance itself from the union. By 1838, Costa Rica had effectively become an independent republic, establishing its own government and constitution. 

Did you know Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world without a standing army? They abolished it in 1948! Now the country invests heavily in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. 

Here’s how Costa Rica celebrates its independence: 

• Torch of Independence 

The celebration begins on September 14 with the “Antorcha de la Libertad” (Torch of Freedom). This torch relay starts in Guatemala and passes through Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador before reaching Costa Rica. It symbolizes the spread of the independence message across Central America. Schoolchildren and athletes carry the torch across different regions of Costa Rica, culminating in a grand ceremony when it reaches Cartago, the former capital. 

• Parades and Marches 

On September 15, towns and cities across Costa Rica hold colorful parades featuring school bands, traditional dancers, and performers in traditional costumes. The main parade takes place in the capital, San José. Schools and various organizations participate, displaying elaborate floats and national pride. 

• Faroles Parade 

On the evening of September 14, children and families participate in the “Desfile de Faroles” (Lantern Parade). They carry homemade lanterns (faroles) in a parade, symbolizing the original spreading of the news of independence. Patriotic motifs and emblems frequently adorn the lanterns, enhancing the sense of community and creativity.

El Salvador 

El Salvador acquired its status as a free and independent republic on January 25, 1859, after separating from the Central American Federation in 1841. The CAF, a union, de facto dissolved in 1839 when the rest of the Central American states seceded from it. This left El Salvador as the only official member. 

Starting from the mid-19th century, El Salvador began a slow process of economic and social consolidation as an independent nation, which started to take shape with liberal reforms between the 1870s and 1890s. This period inaugurated “The Coffee Republic” era. 

El Salvador produces high-quality coffee beans, particularly Arabica coffee. Coffee has been a major export crop for the country, contributing to its economy and cultural identity. Coffee plantations can be found in various regions, offering tours and tastings to visitors interested in learning about the coffee-making process. 

Here’s how El Salvador celebrates its independence: 

• Parades  

Independence Day parades are a highlight in cities and towns across El Salvador. The main parade takes place in San Salvador, the capital, featuring military displays, school bands, traditional dancers, and performers in traditional costumes. Students from various schools participate, marching in uniform and playing musical instruments. 

• Civic Acts and Ceremonies 

Government officials, including the President, participate in official ceremonies. These typically include flag-raising ceremonies, patriotic speeches, and the singing of the national anthem.  

• Cultural Performances 

Throughout the day, there are cultural performances, including traditional dances, music, and theatrical presentations. Folk dances, such as the traditional “Xuc” dance, and music, particularly marimba and cumbia, are integral to these celebrations. 

Guatemala 

After being part of the Mexican Empire along with other Central American nations, Guatemala finally gained its independence in 1840. A guerrilla movement defeated the president of the federation.  

Guatemala is the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization. It boasts impressive archaeological sites such as Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest archaeological complexes of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.  

Here’s how Guatemala celebrates its independence: 

• Torch Ceremonies 

Starting at 6:00 a.m., Independence Day begins with the lighting of torches in the Plaza del Obelisco. In this activity, public and private institutions, educational establishments, neighborhood groups, other departments, municipalities, colonies, villages, and neighborhoods light torches.

• Solemne Tedeum 

In the evening, the solemn tedeum –a solemn liturgical hymn of thanksgiving by the Catholic Church– takes place in the Metropolitan Cathedral. The metropolitan archbishop presides over this sung mass, where God is thanked and praised for the independence.

• The Conquista 

Have you heard of the tradition of “La Conquista?” Dancers perform wearing red wigs and masks reminiscent of the conquest of the Mayans. Have you heard of the tradition of “La Conquista?” Dancers perform wearing red wigs and masks reminiscent of the conquest of the Mayans Other elements of the celebration include fireworks, dancing, and celebrations of traditional food, including the iconic tamales and dobladas. 

Honduras 

Honduras proclaimed its sovereignty in 1825 and drafted the country’s first Constitution. This Constitution established the republican and democratic principles that would govern the new nation. 

With independence, Honduras established its own economic system. One of the main drivers of the economy was agriculture, especially the production of coffee, bananas, and sugar cane. These products became Honduras’ main exports and contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth. 

In addition to coffee, Honduras is known for producing cacao. Did you know the country is the second largest producer of cacao in Central America? Honduras produces around 2,000 tons of cacao annually! 

Here’s how Honduras celebrates its independence: 

• Cannon Shots 

The festivities kick off with 21 cannon shots fired by the military at 6:00 in the morning, signaling the start of the day. 

• Parades and “Palillonas” 

Colorful parades flood the streets featuring floats adorned with students from both public and private schools, accompanied by student musical bands. The well-known “palillonas” –acrobats dressed in elaborate military uniforms– wave batons to the beat of marching bands in the parades of September 15. 

• Air Displays 

The Honduran Air Force showcases aerobatic maneuvers in their jets, often concluding with a parachute demonstration landing at Tiburcio Carias Andino Stadium, the long-time home of Honduras’ national soccer team. The stadium, situated in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, was inaugurated in 1948 during the presidency of Tiburcio Carías Andino. 

Nicaragua 

Nicaragua became a republic in 1838. One project proposed after the independence was the construction of an interoceanic canal that would cross Nicaragua, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. This idea laid the foundation for future canal construction attempts, such as the current Nicaragua Canal project. 

Nicaragua has a strong literary tradition and has produced renowned poets and writers such as Rubén Darío, considered one of the most influential Spanish-language literary figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Here’s how Nicaragua celebrates its independence: 

• Traditional Meals and Beverages 

Families gather to enjoy traditional Nicaraguan dishes such as gallo pinto (rice and beans), vigorón (a dish with pork, yuca, and cabbage salad), nacatamales (a type of tamale), and quesillo (a cheese snack). During the festivities, people also enjoy local beverages such as pinolillo, a traditional corn-based drink, and rum.

• Torch Ceremony 

As mentioned above, the torch ceremony is truly relevant to Central America. In Nicaragua, the most outstanding students from each municipality (more than 8,000 in total) pass the torch from hand to hand, with each student carrying it for 100 meters. On September 13, officials hand the torch to the Minister of Education of Costa Rica. At 6:00 p.m., schools across Nicaragua raise the national flag, and the National Anthem plays on all media.

• Battle of San Jacinto Commemoration 

At dawn on September 14, Nicaraguans raise the flag to celebrate the Battle of San Jacinto, a war between the conservative Legitimists and the Liberal Democrats. Afterward, officials present the Central Act in the old center of Managua or on the Masaya Highway. During this event, the president awards the best students and teachers in the country with the Presidential Medal.

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