Today, the Central American Torch, symbolizing the region’s independence, continues its journey through El Salvador after arriving from neighboring Guatemala.
The torch was received yesterday by students and members of the Armed Forces. It will travel across Salvadoran territory before being handed over to Honduras, continuing a tradition that has been celebrated since 1960 to commemorate Central America’s independence.
The flame arrived at the Las Chinamas border, where Salvadoran students received it from their Guatemalan counterparts. It symbolizes the region’s independence as the “flame of peace and freedom” that will traverse the entire country.
The Ministry of Education announced the arrival of the independence torch on its official X account, noting that the symbolic flame will pass through various parts of the country in the coming days before reaching Honduras to continue its journey through Central America.
“Our students celebrated in grand style during the handover of the Central American Torch, with traditional costumes, waving flags, and peace bands playing enthusiastically. The independence flame was received with pride and excitement,” the Ministry of Education stated.
This year, Central America marks the 203rd anniversary of its independence from Spain. Three days ago, the torch was ignited in Guatemala by President Bernardo Arévalo. The signing of the Act of Independence for the region took place on September 15, 1821, when the Captaincy General of Guatemala—comprised of present-day Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—declared its break from the Spanish Empire.