Celebrations
Honduran public holidays are centered on Christianity and the commemoration of historical events. Each holiday is significant to many families across the country. They are frequently observed with extended family members and friends. Parades and processions are held from early morning to late afternoon or evening on a few of the most important holidays, such as Independence Day and Holy Week.
Honduras' national holidays include Honduras Independence Day on September 15 and Children's Day or Da del Nio, which is celebrated on September 10 in homes, schools, and churches; on this day, children receive gifts and have parties similar to Christmas or birthday celebrations. Piatas can be found on the streets of some neighborhoods. Easter, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Day of the Soldier, Christmas, El Dia de Lempira (20 July), and New Year's Eve are other holidays.
The celebrations for Honduras' Independence Day begin early in the morning with marching bands. Each band is dressed differently and includes cheerleaders. On the same day, Fiesta Catracha is held, with traditional Honduran foods such as beans, tamales, baleadas, cassava with chicharrón, and tortillas available.
On Christmas Eve, people gather with their families and close friends for dinner before exchanging gifts at midnight. At midnight, fireworks are seen and heard in some cities. On New Year's Eve, there is food and "cohetes," as well as fireworks and celebrations. Birthday parties are also fun because they include piatas filled with candy and surprises for the kids.
La Ceiba Carnival is held in the second half of May in La Ceiba, a city on the north coast, to commemorate the day of the city's patron saint, Saint Isidore. People from all over the world come to celebrate for a week. Every night, a small carnaval takes place in a nearby neighborhood. On Saturday, there will be a large parade with floats and displays featuring people from various countries. This celebration is accompanied by the Milk Fair, to which many Hondurans flock to display their farm products and animals.
