The sleepy streets of San Juan del Sur were packed with locals this weekend as they celebrated Nicaragua Independence Day on September 15^th. Parades, loud music and Flags were a common site as you walk around town. Nicaragua is filled with culture and the people definitely show the love for their country.

Nicaragua became an independent country on September 15th, 1821, along with Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. The decision to split from Spain was based on several factors: the independence of regions to the north (from England), the French Revolution which brought new ideals, the strong control and heavy taxes imposed by Spain, and the progressive weakening of the Spanish government. There was no bloody war in Central America like there was in Mexico and other areas of the continent. The regions from Costa Rica up to Chiapas, Mexico formed part of the Spanish “Captaincy General of Guatemala.” The leaders of this group started a negotiation process with Spain that ended on September 15, 1821 when the Spanish Crown recognized the “Act of Independence” that they had written. The Nicaraguan, Miguel Larreynaga was instrumental in this process and is still remembered on the 10 Cordoba bills.

September is celebrated as a patrimonial month, and the commemorative activities start at schools and institutions the first of the month. Every year, a burning torch travels through Central America, from Guatemala to Costa Rica, transported by feet and going from hand to hand in every one of the countries. The torch travels the country over the Pan American Highway, and it goes from the best students from the schools of each municipality and other outstanding individuals who will each run with the torch for no more than 100 meters. The total run is 387 kilometers and it involves more than 8 thousand students.

At night the town came alive with parties and bars bringing the best DJ’s to town to rock the night away. This week’s group of Chica Bravas was thrown into the local culture of it all and had a blast dancing the night away. With the chicas looking forward to great waves this week, we are excited they got to experience this amazing day!!