Guatemalan Independence Day: GLXi Students and Teachers Celebrate Country's Traditions

As minds in the United States turn to Halloween, our friends in Guatemala can’t stop reminiscing on the fun that was had on their country’s Independence Day!

The celebration of Independence Day in Guatemala is a big deal, gaining involvement from entire communities.

Held on Sept. 15 every year, the celebration involves all types of fun and tradition through various school and community activities. This includes civic altars, civic and cultural events at schools, parades or activities with school bands, and a torch run from the central park of the locality to the schools.

Despite it being a general holiday in the country, educational institutions still have activities on Independence Day. That only adds to the excitement! Schools will hold activities in the week leading up to the holiday. Then, on the day of the celebration, they will participate in the parades and host activities with their school bands.

During the civic events, activities honoring the national symbols are included. This can include showing respect for the flag and singing the national anthem. Additionally, traditional foods from various regions are shared and participants wear typical regional attire. The marimba, the national instrument, is often played.

These activities showcase the diversity of the country, with a variety of traditional clothing, regional foods, dances, and songs unique to each department or that represent national sentiment.

School bands incorporate popular tunes into their performances, and they accompany civic parades with acts at various points along the route. This procession embodies love for the homeland and the national symbols.

And, of course, we have to mention the civic torch! The tradition of running and watching people carrying a lit torch from the central park of their region to the educational institution they represent is a special part of the celebration.

Given that the pandemic canceled activities in prior years, this year’s Independence Day was extra special. Everyone wanted to participate and felt motivated to collaborate and share as communities and families.

We hope you enjoy all of the photos that our teachers, staff and students captured during their Independence Day celebrations!