El Salvador Independence Day: September 15
El Salvador celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.
El Salvador finally claimed its freedom after the Central American Independence Act was signed on September 15, 1821 ending the 300 years of Spanish rule.
El Salvador Independence Day History
A Spanish expedition led by Andrés Niño entered the Bay of Fonseca in 1522. The Spanish began their conquest of the region in 1524. It was led by a daring conquistador named Captain Pedro de Alvarado. Alvarado who earlier accompanied Hernán Cortés to Mexico, then orchestrated the conquest of Guatemala in 1524. Alvarado was wounded after a month of bloody skirmishes and he retreated to Guatemala. His brother Gonzalo together with his cousin Diego finished what Alvarado has started. In 1528, Diego established the city of San Salvador.
El Salvador was part of the Kingdom of Guatemala under the Spanish rule. Spain made San Salvador a separate political unit in 1786. Following the increased economic and political status, Salvadoran Creoles, those colonists who were born in the Americas but came from a Spanish descent, felt bitter about the continued influence of Guatemala’s ruling class and its clergy.
Spain’s influence on its colonies was severely weakened as a result of the European wars. San Salvador became the center of liberal opinion during the decline of Spain’s power. Creoles in San Salvador clamored for freedom from Spanish rule. A Salvadoran priest, José Matías Delgado, led a rebellion of Creoles in 1811. Conservative forces from Guatemala loyal to Spain mercilessly repelled the rebellion. This only incensed the Creoles more and thus increasing Salvadoran hostility.
Manuel Jose Arce, Jose Simeon Canas and Jose Matias Delgado signed the declaration of independence in 1821. These men gave the first cry of independence on November 5 of 1811 in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. Delgado was elected president in 1823.
El Salvador Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
Parades are the most important part for the Independence Day celebrations and these parades last the whole day. The youth want the celebrations to be a memorable experience, so the schools start by making bands months before the celebration. Then at the end of the day, fireworks light up the night skies of El Salvador.
Other interesting posts:
- El Salvador Celebrates Soldier’s Day
- Guatemala celebrates Independence Day
- Nicaragua celebrates Independence Day
- El Salvador Feast of San Salvador
- Costa Rica celebrates Independence Day
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