Last Saturday, September 15th, was Independence Day here in El Salvador (and in Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua). For the last two weeks, the kids have been coming home from school asking for blue and white balloons, paper, traditional dresses, white gloves and sashes to use in their schools' desfiles, or parades.
CEFAS put on a great presentation, complete with the national anthem and traditional music and dancing:
On Saturday morning, the older kids had the opportunity to go to the parade at the stadium. The younger ones stayed closer to home and watched the local parade in Parque Balboa. Everyone was really excited, and very patient waiting for the parade to reach us.
Someone was really excited about his new shades and they came in handy. It was sunny!
Finally the parade started. It included a marching band and dancers from the local public school. The kids really seemed to like the drums and the beautiful traditional dress.
Even the little guys were all dressed and made-up for the occasion.
The parade ended on the soccer field where all the students and the band lined up for the national anthem.
Saturday evening, we had a party with a special dinner and a movie. The boys were incharge of decorations and did a wonderful job.
Everyone enjoyed the special food and treats.
All that sugar made some of the kids a little silly and we all had a few good laughs (see video).
Then we settled in for a movie and family bonding.
It was rough getting up Sunday morning; we stayed up pretty late! Sunday evening the festivities ended with one of the girls dressing up for church. Doesn't she look bonita?
Happy Independence Day, El Salvador! Feliz Dia de Independencia, El Salvador!