GUATEMALA, SEPT 15 — Today, marks the 189th anniversary of Guatemala's Independence Day and it is being celebrated with great joy across the country. Torches, marches, speeches, civic events, and fireworks have marked in a very enthusiastic way, this very special day of the independence from Spain in 1821.
In 1821, the country of Guatemala was a territorial unity formed by central american regions and countries: El Salvador, Chiapas (Guatemala's northern territory stolen by Mexico in the early 1880s), El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras, all of which share the same date as their independence day. This Central American Federation union was dissolved in civil war from 1838 to 1840. Subsequent attempts to re-unite the countries were unsuccessful and the current geographical borders have remained since then.
Guatemala's history is rich and the country has long been known as "El Pais de la Eterna Primavera" (The Country of Eternal Spring) for its impacting beauty and everlasting spring weather.
Recently, Guatemala has been in the news for numerous natural disasters where many deaths have been counted, but often fail to make the news in the US or other major economies. Mud slides have covered entire towns and people have been buried alive and sink holes have sucked up buildings and more.
Guatemala's politics are always a topic of conversation amongst nationals, and much like Mexico's (and almost all other Latin American and third-world countries), corruption reigns and politicians pack-up millions of dollars only a few months after they take office. Many have been executed or have mysteriously disappeared after being outspoken about the governement .
Today is a day for national pride and from Los Angeles, CA, I would like to wish Guatemala a Happy Independence Day!