Guatemala Independence Day is celebrated annually on September 15 and is also recognized as Guatemala’s National Day. The occasion commemorates the country’s independence from Spanish rule. While the full historical context of Guatemala’s independence remains a subject of debate, the celebrations are undeniably vibrant, featuring colorful parades, concerts, and civic activities. Traditional cuisine and striking Mayan-inspired designs are also highlights, attracting numerous visitors. The day provides a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Guatemalan culture.

El Salvador Independence Day is likewise celebrated on September 15. On this day, the country comes alive with parades, cultural events, and patriotic displays as Salvadorans honor their independence from Spanish colonial rule. The celebration traces back to September 1821, when El Salvador, together with Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, signed the Act of Independence of Central America—also known as Guatemala’s Act of Independence—declaring freedom from the Spanish Crown. The Independence Day is celebrated across the country with vibrant festivities organized by local municipal governments. The scale of each celebration often reflects the size of the municipality. On September 15, communities unite through school marching bands, cheerleaders, student parades, and civic events—traditions observed nationwide. Larger cities enhance the festivities with fireworks, live music, and even military displays. Every municipality hosts a parade featuring both public and private schools. Typically, each school’s procession begins with students carrying a banner displaying the institution’s name, followed by cheerleaders, then the marching band, and finally students in uniform. Some schools also include students dressed in traditional colonial attire performing folkloric dances, adding cultural richness to the occasion.

H.E. Patricia Nathaly Godinez Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador and S.E. Georges de La Roche Du Ronzet Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala had the honor to present: The concert on the occasion of the 204th Anniversary of Independence Day by Napoleon Dominguez – Salvadoran Tenor. On September 15, 2025, at the Historic Museum in Stockholm, Sweden – see Cawa Media’s report with photos from the event below: