Día de Independencia

The 15th of September marked the 185th anniversary of Guatemalan (as well as Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica) independence from Spain in 1821. Our community of Salacuim took the day off to celebrate. The parade reminded me of our own independance day celebrations in Sheyenne, North Dakota...horses, bands, candy, dances, and community togetherness. Also the youth group we work with culminated their 2 month long soccer tournament with a chamionship game that drew what seemed like the whole town to watch. I had a chance to play in the "jovenes vs. ancianos" (translated youth vs. elderly) soccer game, where the ancianos won 2-1.

To get a feel for the celebration, check out our photos @
http://www.flickr.com/photos/corbylewis/sets/72157594295220796/