Guatemalan Independence Day

Guatemalans are gearing up for Independence Day  – hanging flags, practicing for the parades, and planning gatherings with their families and friends. All Central American nations with the exception of Belize and Panama commemorate their independence from Spain on September 15th. Marching bands are the hit of the holiday in Guatemala, with musicians young and old alike parading through the streets for hours. Some of the biggest celebrations are found in Quetzaltenango (Xela) but Antigua is a great place to experience the holiday as well.

Amidst the many 'civic acts' and speeches, there are some activities of interest to check out in Antigua. Wednesday morning, the 13th, there is a children's march starting from La Merced church. A flag ceremony at 6pm in central park kicks off the evening festivities on Thursday followed by speeches and other presentations. Things will get livelier around 8pm when the concert gets going. On the morning of the 15th the parade is a must see. Students have been practicing for months and everyone heads to the streets to observe the band passing by. The parade begins at 8 in the morning at 1st Avenida and 4th Calle, weaving their way through the streets all the way to the stadium. Locals often note that some never make it – passing out or abandoning their post due to the heat or exhaustion. At 1pm there is a marimba concert in central park and other civic acts later on in the evening – undoubtedly culminating in the ever-popular Guatemalan fireworks display.

This post was submitted by Sarah Schwaller, our Editor in Guatemala. Click here to see a Calendar of Events and find out more information.