Dia de Independencia

Today, the 15th of September, Honduras celebrates 193 years of independence. Actually, all five Central American countries; Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence from Spain. In 1821, on September the 15th, Central American leaders accepted a plan drafted by a Mexican, Agustin de Iturbide, that established their independence, but left them united as one country called the United Provinces of Central America. This lasted until 1838 when Nicaragua seceded from the Union and the region became embattled in civil war.

Here in Honduras, Independence Day and the several days leading up to it, are marked by parades of marching students. It is obligatory for all schools to march in the parades. These can be long and tedious for the students who stand in the hot sun all morning. I feel really sorry for those who live in areas like San Pedro Sula where it is very hot and humid. The air is filled with the beating of drums and the clash of cymbals in the weeks leading up to the big day as the schools practice for endless hours.

One of the many schools carrying flags of HN and other nations.

Luis, too, had to march and had the "honor" of carrying a rather heavy banner which bears the quote from Gandhi, "If you want to change the world, change yourself". He attends the bilingual school, American Continental.

Luis (left) and a classmate.

Hondurans recognize their Mayan ancestry, almost more often than they do their Spanish roots.

So as the students fulfilled their patriotic duty, the rest of us lined the sidewalks cheering them on while eating pupusas, baleadas and carne asada from the street vendors. The boys wandered through the crowds with friends while Barbe and I visited with many of our own friends. Even though Siguatepeque has a fairly large population, it still has a very small town atmosphere.

Barbe and Mark with one of the Spanish Institute of Honduras' new students.

We relaxed for the afternoon and later some of us went to the new park in Barrio Parnaso to watch Don Wyatt and his orchestra perform. Very well performed, by the way. As they played, we could see the fireworks show going on in the plaza. The show was put on by the Army and was one of many shows going on around the country, each one synchronized to happen at the same time. All the fireworks for this year's events were supplied by myself and my partners. It was very cool to play such a large part in this year's celebration.

Don Wyatt, directing the orchestra.

Families seated in the small amphitheater listening to the music.