Firma del Acta de Independencia (dramatización)

Independence Assembly in Guatemala

Call for Extraordinary Meeting

• Many Guatemalan patriots demanded an extraordinary meeting from Chief Gabino Gainza to discuss independence on the morning of September 15, 1821, at the Real Audiencia Hall of the Government Palace.

Key Figures Present

• The assembly included notable figures such as Chief Political Officer Gabino Gainza, Secretary Don José Domingo Diegues, Canon José María de Castilla, and others advocating for independence. Citizens outside were chanting for freedom.

Public Sentiment and Demands

• Outside the hall, Doña Dolores Bedoya de Molina led citizens in chants of "We want independence!" emphasizing a strong public desire for liberation from Spanish rule. This marked the beginning of the session.

Urgency for Independence

• Gabino Gainza expressed his concerns about uncontrollable events unfolding and emphasized that many countries had already severed ties with Spain. He called for unity among attendees to promote their own freedom.

Declaration of Independence

• After discussions, it was agreed upon that all present would sign the Act of Independence immediately, reflecting a collective commitment to absolute freedom from Spanish governance. The act was drafted during this session.

Signing Ceremony and Celebration