Independence Day of Nicaragua

TODAY, Nicaragua celebrates freedom day, commemorating the day in 1821 it gained independence from Spain. The celebration, which coincides with that of four other Central American nations – Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica – traditionally kicks off on September 1. On September 11, a burning torch is carried by foot from Guatemala to Costa Rica, and passed from hand to hand in every one of the five countries. The following morning, at around 9 o’ clock, the torch is received by the president of the republic or by the minister of education. On September 13, the torch changes hands at the border between the Nicaraguan and Costa Rican Ministers of Education. In the early morning of September 14, the flag is once more hoisted to commemorate the anniversary of the independence of Central America and the battle at San Jacinto. On September 15, the Act of Independence of Central America is read in all state schools, capping the series of activities for Independence Day.

Managua is the capital and largest city of Nicaragua. The city was declared national capital in 1852. It is home to governmental buildings, galleries, museums, apartment buildings, squares, promenades, and monuments. Its tropical climate has endowed it with varied topography, fertile soils, abundant rain and water sources, and a wide variety of flora. Many different types of trees, some of which are not found elsewhere in the world, surround the city, including chilamates, ceibos, pochotes, genizaros, tigüilotes, royal palms, piñuelas, and madroños (Nicaragua’s national tree). During the rainy months of May to November, Managua becomes a lush city due to many palms, bushes, and other plants and trees which dominate the city’s landscape.

Nicaragua has maintained warm bilateral relations with several countries. It is a member of the Central American Security Commission (CSC). It has led in pressing for regional demilitarization and peaceful settlement of disputes among states in the region. Nicaragua maintains a Consulate Office in Pasig City, while the Philippines has a Consulate Office in Managua.

We greet the people and government of the Republic of Nicaragua, led by President Daniel Ortega, on the occasion of its 196th Independence Day Anniversary.