
On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua gained their independence from the Spanish Empire. This day is now celebrated annually as Independence Day in these Central American countries, with festivities including parades, fireworks, and traditional food. The day honors the Act of Independence, which was signed by a group of countries that included what are now Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. The Act of Independence, also known as the Act of Independence of Guatemala, was the legal document that proclaimed the independence of Central America from the Spanish Empire. It was enacted on September 15, 1821, after a series of revolts and political upheaval in the region.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Date | 15th of September |
Countries | Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua |
History | The Act of Independence of Central America was enacted on 15th September 1821, marking independence from the Spanish Empire |
Traditions | Parades, fireworks, lanterns, food, music, dancing, beauty pageants, and more |
What You'll Learn
The Act of Independence of Central America
The independence of Central America was a result of the decline of Spanish power in the early 19th century due to the Napoleonic Wars. This led to instability in Spain, which caused a sense of empowerment across Central America, particularly in Honduras, which had been subjected to authoritarian rule under Spanish colonial rule for almost 300 years. The Kingdom of Guatemala also suffered economic hardship during this time due to the disruption of Spanish shipping, locust plagues, and competition from other producing areas, which caused a decline in indigo exports.
The United Provinces of Central America, however, faced challenges due to conflicts between the separate nations, such as ideological differences between liberals and conservatives. Eventually, the leaders of each nation declared their independence as separate entities, and Honduras became fully independent in 1839. The United Provinces of Central America dissolved, and the individual countries of Central America established their own independent governments.
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The torch relay marathon
In Guatemala, the torch is central to the celebrations, with torch runs taking place across the country in the days leading up to Independence Day. The plaza at El Obelisco is filled with marching bands, food stands, merchants, and people carrying a vibrant livelihood that is then taken across the country in the form of torches lit by Guatemalan citizens.
In El Salvador, the first section of the celebratory parades often include flags from the other four countries that share the independence date, each flag with its own dedicated car. This signifies the connection between the five nations of Central America.
In Honduras, there is a beauty pageant aspect to the parades, with girls dressed in fantasy military uniforms, sporting batons that they wave around. The best participants are often featured in the newspaper the next day.
Nicaraguans begin their celebrations at the start of September, with ceremonies featuring politicians, ambassadors, students, and marching bands. They also have a tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence in all schools on the 15th.
Costa Rica's celebrations begin with the receiving of the torch, with a focus on the youth due to their pacifist beliefs and lack of military forces. The evening before the 15th, there is a Lantern Parade, where children build glowing lanterns with recycled materials, decorating them with patriotic symbols.
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The Declaration of Independence
The Act of Independence was enacted by the Provincial Council of the Province of Guatemala, which invited other provinces of the Captaincy General of Guatemala to send envoys to a congress to decide on the region's independence. The Provincial Council of Guatemala had been discussing a declaration of independence since 1821, inspired by the political chaos caused by Napoleon Bonaparte's attack on Spain in 1808 and the removal of Ferdinand VII from the Spanish throne during the Peninsular War.
The Act of Independence provided for the formation of a congress to decide on the form of the new independent state's government and fundamental laws. The congress was meant to meet on March 1, 1822, but this never occurred due to the subsequent unification with Mexico. Instead, the Central American provinces joined the Mexican Empire under the terms of the Three Guarantees of the Treaty of Córdoba, which promised the continuation of the Catholic faith, final independence from Spain, and the creation of a constitutional monarchy.
Today, the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua is celebrated annually on September 15, with each country having its unique traditions and festivities, including parades, performances, dancing, and speeches from public officials. The month of September is filled with celebrations, and a torch symbolizing freedom is carried from Guatemala to Costa Rica, passing through El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
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The impact of Napoleon Bonaparte's attack on Spain
Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, and subsequent removal of the Spanish royal family, is often seen as the primary cause of the revolutions for independence in Spanish America.
In 1806, Napoleon imposed the Continental Blockade, which forbade British imports into Europe. This was particularly damaging to Portugal, which had a long-standing commercial relationship with Britain. In November 1807, with the assistance of Spanish troops, France sent an army to invade Portugal. The Portuguese court, with the help of the British navy, fled to Brazil.
The Spanish royal family was also forced to leave Madrid, and in 1808, Napoleon removed both King Carlos IV and his son Ferdinand VII, replacing them with his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. This began the Peninsular War, or the Spanish War of Independence.
The removal of the Spanish royal family caused a crisis in sovereignty in the Spanish Empire. In Spain, local Juntas were formed, eventually coalescing under the Junta Central. In Spanish America, colonists were faced with the choice of upholding the authority of the Junta Central, forming their own Juntas, or striking out for independence.
In 1808, the juntas in Spanish America claimed to be acting in the name of the deposed King Ferdinand VII. However, their creation provided an opportunity for those who favoured outright independence to promote their agenda publicly and safely. The proponents of independence called themselves 'patriots'.
In 1810, the juntas in America wanted to reinstate Ferdinand VII as king and refused to accept the authority of the Council of Regency that was established following the dissolution of the Supreme and Central Governmental Junta of Spain and the Indies. This disagreement led to a military conflict between Royalists and Patriots over the unity or independence of the empire.
In 1814, following Napoleon's defeat and the Treaty of Valençay, Ferdinand VII was restored to the Spanish throne. He reimposed absolute monarchy and was able to defeat and repress the liberals in Spain. However, he could not defeat the revolutionaries in Spanish America, who resisted and formed their own national congresses.
The Spanish navy had collapsed in the war against Napoleon, so in practice, it did not support the expeditionary forces who arrived in small groups. In 1820, the Spanish army, led by Rafael Riego, revolted against absolutism, restored the Trienio Liberal, and ended the threat of invasion against the Río de la Plata, resulting in royalist collapse in the Americas. Over the next decade, the Patriots' armies won major victories and obtained independence in their respective countries.
In summary, Napoleon's invasion of the Iberian Peninsula and removal of the Spanish royal family caused a crisis in sovereignty in the Spanish Empire. This crisis led to the formation of juntas in both Spain and Spanish America, and ultimately, to the independence of several Spanish American nations.
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The role of Central America in Hispanic Heritage Month
Central America plays a significant role in Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. This month-long observance recognises the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with ancestors from Latin America, including Central America, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.
The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month is particularly significant for Central America, as it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Central American nations. On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, also known as the United Provinces of Central America or the Kingdom of Guatemala, declared their independence from Spain. This date marks the anniversary of their freedom from Spanish rule, achieved without bloodshed.
The Act of Independence for Central America, also known as the Declaration of Independence, was signed by leaders from these countries, officially ending Spanish colonial rule. This proclamation affirmed national sovereignty and marked a pivotal moment in the region's history.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the resilience and determination of the Central American nations are honoured, along with their rich cultural traditions. Each country celebrates its independence with unique customs, including parades, performances, street dancing, and speeches from public officials. Traditional dishes, such as arroz con pollo, fried yuca, tamales, and tres leches cake, are also an important part of the festivities.
In addition to the celebrations within Central America, Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States also recognises the contributions of Central Americans to American society. This includes their influence on American culture, such as food, art, literature, and music, as well as their advocacy work and entrepreneurial spirit. Central Americans have played a crucial role in shaping the United States, with a presence that predates Spanish colonisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Central America celebrates Independence Day to commemorate the day that several countries in the region gained independence from the Spanish Empire.
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
September 15, 1821.
Each country has its own unique traditions, but there are also similarities across the region. There are parades, performances, dancing, and speeches from public officials.