La Antorcha Centroamericana
Last Saturday, September 3, some 80 students from the National Civil Police (PNC) Academy began their journey from zone 10 of Guatemala City to Jalpatagua, Jutiapa, as part of the Central American Torch for Peace and Freedom tour.
This is the first torch of the Guatemalan Independence festivities, after two years of suspension of activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jorge Luis Gramajo, governor of the department of Guatemala, reported that the torch will be delivered to different groups during the journey.
The Minister of Education of Guatemala presented the Central American Torch to the Minister of Education of El Salvador. Within the framework of the National Holidays, on its 201st Anniversary, the Minister of Education, Claudia Ruíz de Estrada, presented the Central American Torch for Peace and Freedom to the Minister of Education of El Salvador, Mauricio Pineda, at the El Jobo bridge, a border area between the two countries.
The transfer of this significant independence symbol was accompanied by the Ambassador of Guatemala in El Salvador Rubén Nájera; the Ambassador of El Salvador in Guatemala, Hugo Rodríguez; the Vice Ministers of Education of Guatemala; the Departmental Governor of Guatemala, Jorge Gramajo; the Departmental Political Governor of Ahuachapán, Isis Carranza; the representative of the Mayor of Jalpatagua; the President of the Commission for Education, Science and Technology of the Congress of the Republic, María Eugenia Castellanos, and the educational community of Jalpatagua.
The celebration of the Torch has been held for several decades. It commemorate the news announcing the independence in 1821 of the countries in the region.
The tour began in Guatemala on September 3 and ends in Costa Rica on September 15. With these actions, the Guatemalan Ministry of Education promotes civic education and civic values and celebrates the bonds of friendship with neighboring countries.
After making its way through El Salvador, the torch will continue to Honduras, Nicaragua and finish in Costa Rica.
Nuestros pueblos mantienen encendida la llama de la confraternidad y el respeto por los símbolos patrios.?????????? pic.twitter.com/PAExvxEKCl
— José Mauricio Pineda (@JMauricioPineda) September 5, 2022
According to tradition, the torches represent the journey made by the horsemen who brought the news of the independence of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to the main cities and provinces of the region in 1821.
In Guatemala, the route of the torches is done on foot, but the groups usually alternate, since it is customary for the participants to also travel in a caravan, which includes vehicles.
Flags, whistles and drums announce the arrival of the national flame.
Soledad Quartucci | Latina Republic
Dr. Soledad Quartucci is the founder and CEO of Latina Republic, a 501(C)3 California-based nonprofit organization. Latina Republic is a reporting, research, advocacy and charitable organization advancing human rights in the Americas. We fill the void in coverage of urgent social, political, human rights, economic and gender inequalities affecting the Americas. Through our allies in Latin America, we highlight contributions, heritage, history, leadership and innovation. Latina Republic reports on stories that integrate local strategies to the betterment of the region. We make space for and empower unheard voices and celebrate the rich histories of Latin America.