A civic Monday celebration at a school in Ciudad Delgado became the center of an online debate after opposition communicator Julia Evelin Martínez criticized the event. The activity, which featured teachers dressed in traditional outfits to mark the beginning of El Salvador’s Independence Month, was praised on social media as an example of teaching through action. Martínez, however, alleged that teachers participated out of fear of losing their jobs, claiming “they came dressed like that to score points with the regime.”
Her remarks were quickly rejected by members of the educational community. Teacher Yanira Pleitez, who took part in the event, responded directly: “I am one of the teachers who participated today, and we have been doing this for years with great joy, not because of pressure. We must be an example for our students.” She added, “With all due respect, Mrs. Julia Evelin, I want to clarify that everyone who participated did so voluntarily, without pressure from anyone, and this activity has been held for many years.”
The statement from Pleitez and support from the local community reaffirmed that the celebration was a long-standing tradition carried out with pride, countering the opposition’s attempt to frame the teachers’ actions as coerced.