Semana Morazánica in Honduras – October 4-7, 2022, history, significance
Semana Morazánica, or Morazánica Week, is celebrated from October 4 to October 7 every year and is critical for the economic and cultural development of Honduras. It has become one of the channels through which Hondurans can publicize their work,
increase productivity, and attract people from all over the world, allowing them to witness the natural and cultural riches the country has to offer. Morazánica Week was created in honor of national hero General Francisco Morazán, who was born in early October.
HISTORY OF SEMANA MORAZÁNICA IN HONDURAS
In Honduras, three October public holidays are combined to create a more extended break at the beginning of October. This means that employees in the public sector have a whole week off. These special days include Honduran Soldier’s Day, Columbus Day, which is also known as Hispanic Day, and Armed Forces Day.
They were unified at the initiative of the National Congress in 2014 through legislative decree No. 78-2014, resulting in what is now known as Morazánica Week, in honor of General Francisco Morazán’s birthday, which occurs on October 3.
General Morazán was a Central American politician who served as President of the Federal Republic of Central America from 1830 to 1839. He was the President of Honduras before becoming President of Central America, and on November 11, 1827, he rose to prominence during the Battle of La Trinidad.
Morazán then dominated the Central American political and military scene until his execution in 1842. Before the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, Honduras was home to several important Mesoamerican cultures, most notably the Maya. Honduras gained independence in 1821 and has been a republic ever since, despite experiencing much social strife and political instability and remaining one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.
The goal of Morazánica Week is to promote internal tourism. According to the president of Honduras’ National Chamber of Tourism, Morazánica Week has an estimated profit of around two million lempiras, generating over 20,000 jobs.
SEMANA MORAZÁNICA IN HONDURAS TIMELINE
1792
Birth of a Legend
José Francisco Morazán Quesada, the future head of state of Honduras, is born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
1821
Honduras is a Free Country
Honduras gains independence from Spain and later breaks free from the First Mexican Empire in 1823.
2014
A Celebration
The National Congress establishes Semana Morazánica and celebrates it for the first time that same year.
2021
Embracing Women Leaders
Former First Lady Xiomara Castro becomes the first female president of Honduras.
SEMANA MORAZÁNICA IN HONDURAS ACTIVITIES
Book a trip to Honduras
Honduras is known for its incredible natural beauty and warm people. This public holiday week is the perfect reason why you should book a trip to this country to enjoy all its festivities and breathtaking landscapes.
Read about General Morazán
General Francisco Morazán is considered a national hero of Honduras and led a fascinating and tumultuous life as a political leader and father of the nation. You can learn more about him by reading his biography, and even share your findings with your loved ones.
Learn more about Honduras
Honduras isn’t just a beautiful country. It has a variety of cultural influences, different flora and fauna, and rich, exotic foods to enjoy. See if you can find some literature or film that can teach you more about its diverse cultures and communities, and fall in love with Honduras even more.
5 FACTS ABOUT HONDURAS
There are two capital cities
Honduras has two capitals: Comayaguela and Tegucigalpa.
They have funky buses
‘Chicken buses’ are their local buses; they are brightly painted and appear to be a mobile party.
It’s a Maya heritage site
Copan, one of the Maya world’s most densely populated urban areas, is the location of an ancient Maya city.
The coral reefs are breathtaking
The coastline of Honduras is part of the world’s second-largest coral reef, the Mesoamerican Reef.
Smoking is frowned upon
Honduras was the first country to outlaw smoking in the home, with smokers always having to keep a distance of six feet from non-smokers.
WHY WE LOVE SEMANA MORAZÁNICA IN HONDURAS
A legend is honored
By now, you know that José Francisco Morazán Quesada is a very celebrated figure in the history of Honduras and the main reason why we celebrate Semana Morazánica. We love how this annual celebration honors his legacy, remembers what he stood for and the changes he made, and puts the spotlight on current political leaders to continue what he started. There is also much to celebrate regarding the people and their love for him.
The people get a week off
We love any public holiday or celebration that allows local people to take time off work. The world is a busy and chaotic place, so any time a community is allowed to take a break should be appreciated.
Honduras gets the spotlight
For years people have known that Honduras is a beautiful and exotic travel destination, but Semana Morazánica has undoubtedly put the country on the map. Honduras has emerged among the top favorite future getaways for many travelers that are excited to experience its less-explored treasures.
