With it still dark outside, I disengaged my fingers from the ceiling, realizing that my neighbors were just celebrating Independence Day a few days early. Every community celebrates with fireworks, much like we do in the US for the July 4 celebration. Starting around 5:00 a.m., one can hear the booms and pops until 9:00 p.m. A traditional favorite firework consists of a metal tube where a fire bomb is dropped, ignited, and shot upward, creating a huge boom. The dynamite-like blast has sent me straight up from my bed many times, which creates the fingers-in-the-ceiling situation.

To witness the pride these people have for their culture blesses me deeply. Independence Day is officially September 15, and these patriotic people give honor to this significant occasion, the day on which Guatemala won its independence from Spain in 1821. The celebration is not contained in one day but fills a week with activities. Public buildings are draped in blue-and-white bunting, while many of the homes exhibit the national flag. Vehicles, including the tuctucs (taxis), display the flag and other paraphernalia, making a busy street flutter with blue and white.

Area schools compete against one another for prizes in one of the many parades. The kids from Liberty School get geared up weeks ahead of time and practice their march to the sound of the drums. In years past I have enjoyed watching them from the office window as they made the rounds on the property. When their day comes, they line up on one end of Monjas and march to Central Park, with lines of people watching and cheering. Each town or city has their unique theme and procedure for the march. In Guatemala City, military bands are included with the students.

In the schools and communities, the children and adults wear the traditional clothing of the 1800’s for their time of remembrance. The cultural dances and music of that era encourage many to remember an important time in history. Guatemalans keep it alive in the hearts of the young and old.

Many communities have the annual Antorcha de la Independence (torch run) on September 14. I learned that when Guatemala received its independence, the messengers carrying those words of freedom had to travel at night. They used torches as they made haste across Guatemala.

Our girls felt honored to celebrate with a torch run when we lived in San Cristobal. Because we lived in a guarded area, the run stayed within the boundary for the protection of the children. 

Communities work out a plan, and after the torch is lit, the ecstatic bearer and his companions run to the next community, passing the torch between each other. At the designated spot for the next group, it is passed off with much cheering and shouting. That group takes off to their destination for the next torch passing.
I enjoy being in a colorful culture where the past is honored in many ways. The children receive encouragement and opportunity to learn about their heritage. I don’t mind making holes in my ceiling when I see the national pride these people have.