Independence day in El Salvador is celebrated yearly on September 15th; this date is a commemoration of the country’s 1821 independence from Spain. El Salvador observes Independence Day with other Central American nations, which declared independence from Spanish Rule on September 15th, 1821.
On September 15th, 1821, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, signed the Act of Independence of Central America, also known as Guatemala's Act of Independence. This legal document proclaimed the independence of Central America from the Spanish Crown.
Independence day is a national holiday in El Salvador; also, Salvadorans worldwide celebrate this historical date passionately with tremendous enthusiasm and pride for their nation.
Celebrating Independence Day in El Salvador
Celebratory activities for this national holiday take place all over the territory; they are organized by the local government of each municipality; the larger the municipality, the bigger the extravaganza.
School marching bands, cheerleaders, student parades, and civic events are what all municipality’s activities have in common during this day.
On September 15th, each local government has a parade that displays the marching bands and cheerleaders of all public and private schools belonging to the municipality.
Usually, each educational institution follows the same lineup; a group of students carrying a banner with the institution’s name goes up front. It is followed by the school’s cheerleading squad with the marching band right behind them. Lastly, a group of students wearing their traditional school uniforms completes the school’s lineup.
Some educational institutions also include students wearing traditional colonial clothing and doing traditional folkloric dances in the lineup.
Additionally, they might include something to represent the other Central American nations celebrating independence day at the same time as El Salvador, such as their flag, the nation’s shield, or something else representative of that nation.
The parade runs through the principal streets of the community and ends at a predetermined location. In most small communities, such as Sensuntepeque or Suchitoto, the parade ends at the municipal park. In larger municipalities such as San Salvador or Santa Ana, it ends at larger venues such as soccer stadiums.
When the parade reaches its final destination, municipalities conduct civic and cultural events that range from re-enactments to folkloric dances or music. This is when the city mayor or other prominent people deliver speeches regarding Independence day in El Salvador.
Larger municipalities such as San Salvador, San Miguel, and Santa Ana, to name a few, have more elaborate celebrations. The parades at these locations include marching bands and personnel from the military and the national police.
Additionally, larger municipalities can have military planes or helicopters flying over during the celebrations. Also, in some places, you will see military paratroopers landing at the events and fireworks at the end of the festivities. Independence celebrations in larger municipalities have more things to see and appreciate.
The main holiday celebration is on September 15th; however, other civic and cultural activities take place throughout September. Visit the municipality’s website for details regarding all the activities happening this month.
September 15th celebrations
The Independence Day celebration is a moment of pride for all Salvadorans living in the country and abroad. It is a day to remember the history and traditions of a beautiful country and its people.
This is a fantastic holiday that Salvadorans love to celebrate. Also, it is the perfect opportunity for foreigners to visit El Salvador and experience another aspect of Salvadoran history.
The independence celebrations include parades with marching bands, cheerleaders, and many cultural events. This holiday can be experienced in small mountain towns, beach cities, and metropolitan areas. Although the day is celebrated all over El Salvador, the biggest festivity is held in the capital city, San Salvador.
