The ceremony will be held this Friday afternoon, and in keeping with tradition, the co-presidents will hand the torch over to another group of academically excellent students, continuing its journey across the country until it is handed over to Costa Rican authorities tomorrow.

Nicaraguan Minister of Education Mendy Arauz received the torch on Wednesday from Honduran Undersecretary of State Edwin Hernandez, at Las Manos border post.

“We receive with great honor the light and fire that ignites our hearts, committing ourselves to the continuity of history in these new times of peace and future,” Arauz said at the ceremony.

She added that, 204 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the achievements motivated by the desire and aspirations for freedom, unity, solidarity, and the humanity of the heroes, as well as the certainty in the present and future of the nations, always imbued with the pride, admiration, and dignity that characterizes Central Americans, remain alive.

“This sacred flame ignites our hearts with the strength of patriotism and brotherhood among our peoples. May this light of liberty accompany us to build paths of peace, education, and opportunity in every corner of Central America,” affirmed Nicaraguan honors student Leslie Marin.

The first torch of independence left Guatemala in September 1964, and its journey passed through El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, culminating in Costa Rica, traversing more than 1,300 kilometers across the isthmus.

jdt/jcm/ybv