Sep 15, 2022
Guatemala Independence Day 2022
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Independence Day in Guatemala! On this day in 1821, Guatemala declared independence after 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
In ancient times, the territory now known as Guatemala was the central homeland of Mayan culture. However, in the 16th century, Spanish forces conquered the territory and claimed it as part of New Spain (now recognized as Mexico). During this time, it became an administrative state of New Spain.
Inspired by the American and French Revolutions, Central Americans sought sovereignty for their respective states. On September 15, 1821, the Independence Act of Central America was signed into law by the regional congress in Guatemala City.
This created the United Provinces of Central America, or the República Federal de Centroamérica, in 1823. The republic included other countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua—these nations all share the same date for Independence Day. Guatemala once again declared freedom from this coalition in 1839, and became an independent republic on March 21, 1847.
Today, Guatemalans celebrate their nation’s independence with festivals, concerts, parades and civic murals. White and blue Guatemalan flags, like the one waving in today’s artwork, fly high in the sky throughout the country. Traditional foods like tacos, tostados and tamales are also enjoyed and shared between community members.
Happy Independence Day, Guatemala!
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