September 15th is Independence day in Guatemala.  Last night there were actually fireworks over the town of Canilla.  Are you impressed?

But the tradition that is unique here to Guatemala has to do with the running of the torches.  Two weekends ago I saw a group running with torches.  And in other areas there has been some celebrating as well.  Last night their school children climbed up to the mountains around Canilla, lit torches and then ran these torches down the mountain.  It was neat to see the trail of fire coming down the mountain.  As it was told to me, when the country took its’ independence, they ran with torches to spread the news.  And the tradition continues in celebration……….