In the US, we are quite familiar with our holidays as we prep for Halloween & Thanksgiving however how much do we truly know about the celebrations that take place in Honduras in the fall season? Public holidays in Honduras are centered on Christianity and the commemoration of events in their history.
Here is a list of upcoming festivities for September & October along with some details to help us stay in-sync with the people and the communities that we serve.
Sep 10th – Children’s Day (Día del Niño)
The Kiddos may still go to school on this very special day, but not necessarily for the classes. They celebrate alongside their teachers with music, dance, candy & games. It’s a day when parents honor & congratulate their children plus share gifts!
Sep 15th – Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
Just like our own 4t of July, this day commemorates the independence of the Central American provinces from Spanish rule in 1821. Every city & village celebrates with parades, princesses, marching drummers & folk dancers. This year marks the bicentennial!
Sep 17th – Teacher’s Day (Día del Maestro)
Students prepare special activities & greeting cards for their teachers to express their gratitude. This holiday was established in honor of one of the greatest educators in Honduras, Father José Trinidad Reyes y Sevilla.
Oct 3rd – Morazán’s Day (Natalicio del General Morazán)
A day to honor José Francisco Morazán Quesada, a Central American politician (President of the Federal Republic of Central America). He is from Honduras & is recognized as a visionary & advocate for social reform.
Oct 12th – Columbus Day (Día de la Raza)
The date of Columbus' arrival in the Americas is celebrated in Honduras as the Discovery of America Day. It’s a way to honor not Columbus the man, but rather all the people & cultural influences that came after him that exist today. Día de la Raza (or The Day of the Race) is a special moment for countries that were once conquered by Spanish explorers to recognize their indigenous people, traditions & cultural heritage.
Oct 21st – Army Day (Día de las Fuerzas Armadas)
Honduran Armed Forces Day is a national holiday widely celebrated across the country. Most of the festive activities are carried out in the capital city of Tegucigalpa. They include a military parade & solemn official ceremony.
It’s time to Celebrate!
Both the Taco Sale in May & the recent St Anthony’s festivities shed light on the importance of our missionaries coming together. The overall vibe & energy of our group is contagious…. but in a positive, impactful way! Our missionaries inspire & empower each other however we still need to be mindful of everyone’s safety. That is precisely why the core team decided to postpone our Reunion Celebration.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY is coming up in October on the 24th; the perfect setting for everyone to see each other once again. Hopefully we can do so under safe COVID protocols. The theme of this year’s World Mission Day, “We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard” (At 4:20), is an invitation to each of us to “take charge” and to make known what we carry in our hearts. We will share more details on this event later this month!