Central America and Mexico celebrate independence

Belize is not the only country that gained its freedom in September. Today the diplomatic missions of Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador were closed in commemoration of their September fifteenth independence day. But how is it that all of these countries gained their independence on the same day? We put that question to Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize, Manuel Tellez.

Manuel Tellez, Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize
“We became independent from Spain in a movement that was gathering momentum throughout Latin America. Consequently, on the fifteenth of September, 1821, the heroes of our independence signed an act by which the five countries of Central America became independent, which gave way to the united federal provinces of Central America. That is why the five countries in Central America celebrate their independence on September fifteenth.”

“In our countries, this date is celebrated with much fervor, fireworks, dancing and cultural presentations. This takes place in all five Central American countries. It is important to note that this past week for the first time, the five countries in Central America joined Mexico and Belize and celebrated with beautiful cultural presentations. This is an important act because it brings us together to know each other, as we integrate as a region.”

Mexico, our neighbour to the north, will celebrate its independence on Tuesday. This leaves Panama as the only country in Central America that celebrates its independence on a different date, November twenty-eighth.