Posted on Sep 10, 2018 |
On September 15th Guatemala celebrates the Independence Day as an independent country from Spain (Guatemala became an independent country in 1821).
Everybody in Antigua Guatemala and all of Guatemala people proudly display Guatemalan Flags and adorn their cars and homes with blue and white colors, the traditional colors of Guatemala.
The Spaniards come to this territory in 1519, and began expeditions, native populations fought fierce battles to defend their territory; the conquest was commanded by Pedro de Alvarado, under the orders of Hernan Cortes. But in 1821, a group of nobles and important people from Spain helped the independence of the territory called today Guatemala.
Many many parades (national and private schools participate with bands) take place in Guatemala, not just on Sept 15th, but the days and weeks before that. The week before Sept 15th, you will see groups of runners of all ages running all over the country with light torches of independence (Antorchas de Independencia), going from village to village, from town to town passing for miles to honor this event.
September is not a high season in the city, so finding accommodation in hotels in Antigua Guatemala is a bit easier. The same with the guesthouses in Antigua Guatemala, which are also an option for foreign and local tourists visiting the city.