|
One of the most important celebrations in
Honduras is February 3, the feast day of the Virgin of Suyapa, the
patron saint of Honduras. The Fair of the Virgin of Suyapa takes
place from February 3 to 10 near Tegucigalpa. Most towns and cities
in Honduras have patron saints and hold annual celebrations in their
honour. One of the largest celebrations is the Carnival at La Ceiba,
held during the third week of May. On the Saturday, there are parades,
music and merrymaking in the streets. Other popular fairs are held in
San Pedro Sula during the last week of June, in Tela on June 13,
Trujillo on June 24 and Danlí on the last weekend of August. Labour Day on May 1 celebrates the power of labourers in Honduras. Rural workers take long bus rides or walk great distances to take part in peaceful demonstrations of solidarity in the cities on Labour Day. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Like many other Central and South American
countries, Honduras celebrates the Day of the Americas on April 14.
On June 9, Hondurans honour José Trinidad Cabañas.
Cabañas (1805-71) is remembered for his efforts to keep
the Central American federation together. He was president of
Honduras in the 1850s and made the first attempt to build a
railway in Central America. Francisco Morazán is honoured
with a special day on October 3. Columbus Day on October 12 marks Columbus's landing in Honduras. Independence Day, September 15, commemorates Central America's declaration of independence from Spain in 1821. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shortly before Christmas, Hondurans set up a
nativity scene. They cover the baby Jesus with a blanket. On Christmas
Eve, the blanket is removed to unveil the baby. People may attend mass
on Christmas Eve, then visit relatives until midnight. Afterwards they
go outside to wish their neighbours a merry Christmas and then feast
well into the night. On Christmas Day, there are usually presents for
the children and fireworks displays until midnight. On New Year's Eve, Hondurans wear their best clothes. At midnight, everyone who has been able to stay awake goes out to wish the neighbours a happy, prosperous New Year. As with many other Honduran holidays, music and dancing play a large part in the festivities.
|
|