By Zoila Palma: Several countries across Central America are celebrating Independence Day today, September 15, as Mexico and Belize prepare to mark their own national days later this week.
Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica are observing the anniversary of their independence from Spain, while Mexico will celebrate on September 16.
Belize will mark its 45th Independence Day on September 21.
In Mexico, celebrations will center around the traditional “Grito de Dolores” later tonight, when the Mexican president will reenact the historic call for independence associated with Miguel Hidalgo.
Hidalgo is believed to have issued the rallying cry in the town of Dolores, in the state of Guanajuato, on September 16, 1810, helping spark Mexico’s decade-long war against Spanish rule.
While there is no scholarly agreement on Hidalgo’s exact words, the “Cry of Dolores” became a defining moment in Mexico’s struggle for independence.
Hidalgo led an army against Spanish forces before being captured and executed on July 30, 1811. Mexico’s independence was eventually declared on September 28, 1821, following years of conflict.
Meanwhile, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica formally separated from Spanish rule on September 15, 1821.
Belize, the youngest independent nation in Central America, gained independence from Britain on September 21, 1981.
As neighboring countries celebrate their shared history of independence and sovereignty, Belize is also preparing for its own national celebrations, with festivities expected across the country ahead of Independence Day.
The post Mexico and Central America mark Independence; Belize prepares for Independence Day on September 21 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Several countries across Central America are celebrating Independence Day today, September 15, as Mexico and Belize prepare to mark their own national days later this week. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica are observing the anniversary of their independence from Spain, while Mexico will celebrate on September 16. Belize will
The post Mexico and Central America mark Independence; Belize prepares for Independence Day on September 21 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
