In a poignant ceremony held on Avenida Bolívar a Chávez in Managua, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega was honored with the Central American Torch of Freedom. The event, a powerful symbol of regional unity and historical remembrance, saw Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo celebrate the torch’s journey through Central America, reflecting on the region’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonization.
Addressing attendees, Ortega emphasized the significance of the torch, noting its role as a symbol of the enduring fight for freedom and the sacrifices made by Central Americans. “What better honor in these days than for the torch to be carried by young people—outstanding athletes and scholars—who pay homage to the struggles that cost so much blood and pain,” Ortega declared. He praised the young representatives, including Central American Boxing Federation champion Harvin Aguirre, Judoka Izayana Marenco, and Olympic rower Evidelia González, highlighting their contributions to Nicaraguan pride and regional unity.
Aguirre, who recently secured the 2024 Central American Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association titles, presented the torch to Ortega, symbolizing the ongoing legacy of struggle and achievement. Marenco, and Judoka who represented Nicaragua at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and González, a 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games medalist, were also honored during the ceremony.
The torch’s journey, which commemorates Central America’s independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, began in Guatemala in September 1964. Its route spans over 1,300 kilometers, passing through El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and concluding in Costa Rica. The torch serves as a tribute to the shared history and collective aspirations of the region’s nations.
As the torch continues its journey, it will be carried by a new group of academically distinguished students, ensuring that its message of freedom and unity reaches every corner of the country before it heads to Costa Rica. This tradition not only honors the historical significance of independence but also inspires future generations to cherish and uphold the values of liberty and solidarity.
The event garnered widespread attention on social media, with many celebrating the torch’s symbolic importance and the pride it instills in Central Americans. As the torch of freedom makes its way through the region, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that defines Central America.
