National Day of Life, Peace and Justice 2023: Date, History, Facts

Every year on March 26, El Salvador celebrates National Day of Life, Peace and Justice, a special holiday dedicated to the pursuit of peace. Before then-president Salvador Sanchez Ceren requested that it be designated as a working holiday, government offices, institutions, and businesses were open. Every Salvadoran is exhorted to observe peace in their private lives as well as in their public lives on this day.

The background of National Day of Life, Peace and Justice

A portion of the indigenous population in El Salvador had been decimated by the smallpox epidemic when the first immigrants arrived. The land was devoid of gold, gems, and even minerals, unlike its neighbours. It had volcanic soil, which is considered to be exceptionally fertile and yields harvests for many years. Consequently, El Salvador was colonised by the Spanish and remained a colony until its independence in the nineteenth century. The newly formed government placed all of its economic aspirations on a single crop: coffee. A succession of presidents centred the majority of the nation’s plans on this crop, resulting in infrastructure and development that grew predominantly to support its export trade and economy. This cash crop was produced in El Salvador, but only a sprinkling of families who owned the land on which it was grown reaped the benefits.

The income disparity and general unrest grew over time and contributed to a climate of political instability. Multiple authoritarian leaders, coups, and revolts drove the Salvadorans to their breaking point. They initiated a bloody Civil War that lasted 12 years and was only resolved by the signature of the Chapultepec Peace Accords. The settlement brought a measure of calm to the war-ravaged region by negotiating a 30-year cease-fire.

The National Day of Life, Peace, and Justice was envisaged as a response to and recognition of the nation’s troubled past and optimistic outlook for the future. On the initiative of the country’s president, the National Council for Public Security and Coexistence declared March 26 to be the National Day of Life, Peace, and Justice, and Salvadorans have observed this day ever since.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EL SALVADOR

El Salvador coffee beans have consistently rated among the highest quality beans in the world, and some of the most coveted beans, such as the Pacas and the Pacamara, originate from this country.

There are over twenty active volcanoes in the country of El Salvador.

The white stripe between the two blue stripes on the flag of El Salvador was chosen to symbolise harmony and unity.

The architectural marvels of El Salvador date back to the Mayan era.

It is the third-largest economy in Central America, despite its small territory, which is comparable to that of Wales.

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