# Guatemala independence commemorations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-independence-commemorations > Updated: 2026-09-14T14:47:57.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala held a solemn session to commemorate the 205th anniversary of the nation’s political emancipation. High-ranking officials, including Vice President Karin Herrera, Legislative President Luis Contreras, and Supreme Court President Claudia Paredes, attended the event. During the ceremony, Vice President Herrera stated that independence is built upon the ability of citizens to express themselves freely, elect representatives without obstacles, and rely on institutions that uphold democratic commitments and respect human rights. Legislative President Luis Contreras called for reflection among state institutions to address national challenges, specifically noting the uncontrolled increase in fuel prices driven by external factors and the onset of hunger within the population caused by natural phenomena. Public celebrations included traditional torch runs across the country. In Guatemala City, groups of students, teachers, and workers gathered at locations such as the Campos del Roosevelt in Zone 11 to light torches and begin ceremonial runs. Departmental Governor Mauricio Bernard reported a significant reduction in street litter compared to previous years, attributing the improvement to the ‘Antorchas seguras’ (Safe Torches) campaign and the redistribution of lighting points intended to discourage throwing water bags during celebrations. Bernard noted that coordination between executive institutions and public adherence to civic decorum contributed to a cleaner and more orderly event. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Guatemala celebrates 205th independence anniversary with traditional torch runs Guatemalans celebrated their 205th independence anniversary with traditional torch runs, seeing a notable reduction in street litter due to new safety campaigns and organized lighting points. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-celebrates-205th-independence-anniversary-with-traditional-torch-runs ### 2026-09-10: Guatemala commemorates 205 years of independence with solemn session Guatemala's Congress held a solemn session marking 205 years of independence, with leaders discussing democratic rights and the need to address rising fuel costs and food insecurity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-commemorates-205-years-of-independence-with-solemn-session --- Cite as: Guatemala independence commemorations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-independence-commemorations