Independence Day

Here in Guatemala, they celebrate Independence Day on 15th Sept -- although generally they see it as an excuse to celebrate for a whole month!. Guatemalans are very patriotic.
Celebrations normally take various forms. School marching bands have been practicing for months for the parades and competitions between local schools. Many towns organise an 'Antorcha' - when participants take it in turns run through the streets with a flaming torch, often from one town to the next. This year because there's been so many landslides on the highways, the President put a stop to the antorchas for safety reasons - although it upset several Guatemalans when he then flew out of the country to enjoy the Mexican version of Independence celebrations instead.
Mexico celebrates the same day - and this year it's 200 years of Independence - but Guatemala has only reached 189 years!