San Pedro Town hosted its annual Noche de Centroamérica on Saturday, September 12th, at the Saca Chispas Field. The celebration brought together residents, visitors, officials, and members of the Central American community for an evening of cultural presentations, national ceremonies, music, and entertainment.
The event recognized the independence celebrations of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico. The annual celebration forms part of San Pedro’s September festivities and highlights the town’s close ties with its Central American and Mexican neighbors.
The ceremony began at 8PM with a blessing by Father Eduardo Montemayor of the Roman Catholic Church, followed by a welcome to the public and guests. Community leaders and special guests participated in playing the national anthems and raising the flags representing each country.
Among those participating were Miss San Pedro Elizabeth Grace Sánchez, Oscar Guerra, Jorge Castillo, Eyda Marlene Lorenzo, Honduran Consul Douglas Roberto Sierra, Letty Hernández, Dr. Franklin Hernández, and Mary Magaña.
The event commemorated Mexico’s historic independence and that of the Central American nations. On September 15, 1821, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica declared their independence from Spain. Mexico’s struggle for independence began on September 16, 1810, and resulted in the country gaining full sovereignty in 1821.
Food booths offered a wide variety of traditional dishes from the participating countries, including tamales, tacos, pupusas, and rice and beans with chicken. The program combined official ceremonies with family-friendly entertainment, including performances by the San Pedro Roman Catholic School Marching Band, the San Pedro Dance Company, Guatemalan artists, DJs, and La La Chacon. The Caribbean Collective Band closed the entertainment program with live music.
San Pedro Deputy Mayor Adaly Ayuso welcomed attendees and thanked the organizers. “On behalf of the San Pedro Municipal Council, it is a true honor and a great source of pride to extend a most cordial welcome to this beautiful evening,” she said.
Ayuso also praised the Central American Group Committee for organizing the event. “Thank you for your dedication, effort, and true leadership demonstrated in organizing this magnificent event. Your commitment to preserving and promoting our shared identity inspires admiration,” she said.
“San Pedro has always been a home with open arms, a meeting point where our shared aspirations, music, stories, and values of unity and strength come together each day,” Ayuso added.
The celebration reinforced San Pedro’s role as a meeting place for diverse cultures and communities. Noche de Centroamérica continues to provide an opportunity to recognize regional independence, strengthen community ties, and promote the island’s cultural diversity.
The event was supported by the San Pedro Town Council, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, Bowen & Bowen, Coral Cable Vision, Casa Pan Dulce, Sew What, Jorge Castillo, Victoria House, Ramon’s Village, El Fogón, and J&K Golf Cart Rentals.