Independence Day

Tomorrow is one of the most celebrated days in all of Guatemala, Independence Day. Yes on September 15, 1821 Guatemala threw off the colonial shackles from Spain, and declared itself a sovereign nation. It hasn't been a completely flawless 191 years, but it could be worse. However there is one thing that has disappointed me about this holiday, and it's a rather odd thing to mention.

Not that Independence Day!

The thing that bothers me here, is that all the celebrations here seem to be for the benefit of foreigners rather than a display of national pride. All the events that are happening around the region are events that can only be enjoyed by foreign boat owners.

For instance, this afternoon they had a regatta on Lago Izabal. Now that sounds fine and dandy, until you realize that everyone who has an actual sailboat is a foreigner. So perhaps it would be fun for the locals to watch? No, because the lake is nowhere near the actual town. This regatta is done only for the amusement of foreigners, and the holiday is just an excuse. Now having events like the regatta isn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination, but I think the timing could be better.

Really what it comes down to is all the restaurants are trying to cash in on a festive atmosphere. Perhaps I'm naive, but I think that the spirit of the holiday is what's important, not trying to make a buck by bringing more people into the bars. It's not like they have any trouble selling drinks here already. Ah the fireworks have started, now this is something everyone can enjoy.