Día de la Independencia / Independence Day

Guatemala gained peaceful independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Buildings and buses are decked in nationalistic blue and white in the weeks leading up to Guatemala's Independence Day.

Several military parades are held throughout the country during this time. Dances, fiestas, regional fairs, and fireworks are held to commemorate the day. Independence Day is one of Quetzaltenango's most famous festivals.

In Guatemala, how do people commemorate the country's independence? Expect a lot of flag waving, blue and white banners, marching bands with trumpets, trombones, and drums, schoolchildren marches through the streets, and plenty of speeches from government leaders. On Da de la Independencia, one of Guatemala's most important holidays, you can hear marimba bands and often see traditional dances such as Christians vs. Moors and El Baile del Torito.

Date: September 15th