Independence Day

**Independence Day in Guatemala** is celebrated on **September 15th** each year, marking the country's liberation from Spanish colonial rule in **1821**. This day is a significant national holiday, filled with patriotic pride, cultural festivities, and historical reflection. The celebrations typically include vibrant parades, traditional music, and dances, with schoolchildren and marching bands dressed in the national colors of blue and white. Fireworks light up the sky, and the national anthem, *"Guatemala Feliz"*, is sung with great enthusiasm. Families and communities come together to enjoy traditional foods like *tamales* and *fiambre*, a special dish prepared for the occasion. Independence Day also serves as a reminder of Guatemala's rich history and the struggles of its people for freedom. The holiday is shared with other Central American nations, as they collectively declared independence from Spain on the same day. It is a time for Guatemalans to honor their heritage, celebrate their identity, and look forward to a brighter future.