Every September 15, the Independence Day of El Salvador, including that of neighboring countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, is celebrated.
This process that culminated on September 15, 1821, began with movements and uprisings in 1811 in El Salvador by members of the Church as José Matías Delgado and Nicolás Aguilar.
DÍA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DE EL SALVADOR. Foto por Presidencia El Salvador. Flickr
For this reason, it is considered that El Salvador was a pioneer in the Central American independence processes, followed by the other countries that made up the General Captaincy of Guatemala, all under the dominion of the Spanish crown.
Origin and development of El Salvador’s Independence Process
To understand the process of the Independence Day of El Salvador, let’s go back a few centuries; when in 1524, the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado arrived in the now Salvadoran lands to install the first Spanish settlements in the New World.
Thus began the mestizaje, teaching the Spanish language and evangelizing. And bringing enslaved people from Africa to help agricultural production.
By the end of the 18th century, the Creoles, aware of the news that referred to libertarian processes in other latitudes, began to consider these economic and political innovative ideas, which would culminate with the Independence Day of El Salvador.
Knowing that King Ferdinand VII was deposed from the Spanish throne on November 5, 1811, and began what is known as the First Cry for Independence in El Salvador.
By January 1814, another insurrection was carried out with popular support but ended with imprisoned or murdered leaders. The deposed King, Ferdinand VII, returned to the Spanish throne and took strong measures against Central America by persecuting the independence fighters.
Gabino Gaínza was the Captain General of Guatemala. Referring to all the lands that would later become Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Belize, a meeting was called where deputies, military chiefs, members of the church, and others attended to discuss the independence process.
The people’s voice immediately demanded the dissolution of ties with Spain and drafted the document for the basis of the new style of government.
Then, on September 21, 1821, it proclaimed the Independence Day of El Salvador.
By 1841 Salvadoran citizens declared that their lands and inhabitants were free and independent and constituted a sovereign Republic.
How Independence Day is celebrated in El Salvador
Students have a particular part to play when celebrating El Salvador’s Independence Day.
Such an event deserves to be declared a holiday no matter what week’s day.
The educational institutions prepare their groups of students to participate in the parades, while the military does the same on this patriotic date.
In schools and official organizations, they sing the National Anthem, to later go out to the parades in every corner of the country, and remember the national heroes. The latter participated in the deed that allows them today to commemorate the Independence Day of El Salvador.
During the acts of homage, the students are accompanied by the music bands of their schools. They wave the flags of their country and wear the typical costumes of their population to finish with messages alluding to the homeland.
Generally, in the Plaza Libertad in San Salvador, the President of the Republic sends a message to the nation with floral offerings. Then there is a military event where paratroopers and airplanes participate, among other activities.
Usually, all the events that remember the Independence Day of El Salvador are broadcasted on television for those who prefer to stay at home; other compatriots go out to the streets to celebrate or go with the family to spend a different day.
Learn about the historical importance of this celebration
Fundamentally, the Independence Day of El Salvador is a moment of capital importance for the country’s history, which also allows us to understand the present reality and to project towards the future the type of Republic needed for Salvadorans.
What is now El Salvador was under Spanish rule for more than three centuries, which generated feelings of frustration over time, seeing all their fundamental rights diminished first as human beings, and then as a nation dependent on one another.
The old wounds were closed when the Act that originated the Independence Day of El Salvador was signed. They opened a new and more promising panorama, where the native citizens of each country are the ones who decide their future.
The new generations, and the people in general, are concerned about maintaining peace, and stability and living in a country where democracy is the best way, so far, to achieve the expected development.
As we celebrate another year of El Salvador’s Independence Day, it is time for reflection to understand what happened and why it is being celebrated to understand today’s reality and how it can be improved to enjoy a more hopeful future.
