Sofia Somewhere

Independence Day is a day of strong pride and patriotism in many countries, and Guatemala is no exception. Cities adorn their streets with flags or banners and streamers bearing the blue and white colors of the Guatemalan flag. Restaurants and stores likewise decorate their establishments, and many will also have promotions and discounts for the month. Parades with bands take place throughout the day, and firecrackers light the sky at night. All over the country there are celebrations taking place to pay tribute to the day 196 years ago when Guatemala and many other Latin American countries claimed independence from Spain after 300 years of colonial rule. My school had a variety of events culminating in a cultural week to commemorate the holiday. One of our first events was an acto cívico . Aside from the customary singing of the national anthem and reciting the pledge of allegiance, students from each grade level recited poems about Guatemala. The next major event we h