Parades and Protests: El Salvador Celebrates Independence Day

By Kara Ramos  |  September 16, 2024
El Salvador Celebrates Independence Day

Yesterday, Salvadorans took to the streets to celebrate 203 years of independence with patriotic parades and other cultural events. On the other hand, Salvadorans also took to the streets and protested against the Bukele administration.

The capital city was the epicenter of the September 15 celebrations. Here, the Salvadoran Government commemorated the 203rd anniversary of Central America’s independence with a mega parade that included the military, police, firefighters, and students from different educational centers.

The patriotism was evident during the celebratory parades; however, protests were also a big part of the 2024 September 15 Independence Day festivities.

Independence Day Parades
San Salvador Independence Day Parade.

SEE ALSO: Unveiling the Splendor of Independence Day in El Salvador: The September 15 Festivities!

Independence Day Parades Celebrate National Pride

All over the country, Salvadorans gathered this Sunday, September 15, to celebrate Independence Day; they enjoyed the colorful Parades in which public institutions and schools participated.

As is customary in all Salvadoran districts, the celebrations feature vibrant parades, traditional dances, community gatherings, and much more.

The streets of these districts display national colors while school bands and cheerleaders perform their routines. The festivities blend patriotism and cultural pride.

The San Salvador Independence Day parade is the largest in the country, and the one higher government official attends. However, the Capital city is also where the September 15 protest occurred.

September 15 Independence Day.
Independence Day in El Salvador. Image by: Gobierno de El Salvador.

Independence Day Protests

Protests against the Bukele administration have become a tradition during Independence Day over the past four years. Each year, social organizations take to the streets to show their discontent with the Bukele government.

Yesterday, social organizations gathered and marched demanding that the Government respect human, labor, and union rights.

These organizations believe that on September 15, the people can’t speak of the country’s independence when there are thousands of innocent people arrested under the State of Exception and 311 dead without any connection to criminal groups.

The most emphatic slogan during the 2024 Independence protests was to end the State of Exception, which has been condemned by local and foreign organizations due to alleged human rights violations.

The demonstrators also protested against government corruption, which ranges from rampant indebtedness to the allocation of money to deputies who use it to pay photographers or content creators, among other positions, to maintain a positive image before the population.

Independence Day Protests
Independence Day Protests.
Independence Day Protests
2024 Independence Day Protests in El Salvador.

El Salvador’s Independence Day is a vibrant mix of parades and protests, reflecting both national pride and dissent. While parades celebrate cultural heritage, protests highlight ongoing social and political issues, showcasing the dynamic and evolving nature of the country’s celebrations.