By Brianna Aguilar-Orozco

Many people look at me and assume I’m Mexican. I love Mexican culture, and all my friends are Mexican. However, I am not. “Oh” is always the first response I get when I say I’m Guatemalan. Growing up, many didn’t know where Guatemala was, and it made it harder for me to want to embrace it all.

Guatemala is right underneath Mexico, and though the culture may seem similar in certain ways (as it is a Latin American country), its culture has its differences. It is unique in a lot of ways. Guatemala’s national bird is called a quetzal. It is a green bird with a red underside and, in my opinion, is the cutest bird with all the pretty fuzz on its head. Quetzal is also the name of the Guatemalan currency. This little guy is even on our flag.

Guatemala is a beautiful country. There are lakes, volcanoes, and Mayan temples. As a child, I heard stories from family members about the carnivals that occur every summer and the foods and snacks that are native to the area. It’s fascinating to talk about food with my friends; our tamales differ from theirs. But what stuck out to me the most were the traditional festivals. One is “La Antorcha de Independencia,” or the “Running of the Torch.”Kids run down the streets of Guatemala with torches to celebrate the day Guatemala gained independence. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, it is Hispanic Heritage Month. It may seem odd that it isn’t at the beginning of the month, but Sept. 15 is the date of independence for Mexico and most Central American countries.

One day before the start, on Sept. 14, Guatemalan children take a field trip to a water or amusement park where they spend the entire day playing games and enjoying themselves. In the town my family is from, they go to Irtra. Irtra is a mixture of Carowinds and Wet ‘n Wild, so there are tons of roller coasters and water attractions for them to do.

Some parents chaperone the field trip, and other adults in town prepare food and decorations for the celebration. Approximately two hours before sundown, they light torches and run from the park back to their town. People from the town line the path to cheer them on and celebrate the occasion. I spoke to my cousin about his thoughts and emotions regarding the traditional run. He said, “Además de recorrer nuestra localidad, gritamos al viento aquello que  nos identifica y nos hace únicos” (“In addition to running through our town, we shout to the wind what identifies us and makes us unique”). The people are filled with euphoria, love, and pride in that moment. The day celebrates their own identity and space being created, and Guatemalans are proud of their culture and country.

The history of this run goes back to 1821, when a messenger did not sleep for four days until Guatemala and other Central American countries received news of their independence. La Antorcha occurs all over Guatemala. Many towns may have their ways of celebrating the run, so there may be differences in how each town does it. Anyone can participate, though. I hope to one day be able to experience it myself. 

The celebration continues the next day when a large parade with children showcasing their talents fills the town streets. For example, young children throw batons, cheer, and play instruments while walking the streets. Of course, these events keep safety in mind, and adults guide and help the children. 

As a child, it was hard to accept who I was, but engaging with my family and their stories showed me the beauty of my culture and country.