The streets of San Salvador were filled with thousands of people on Independence Day.
While government supporters participated in a civil-military parade, government opponents marched in the heart of the capital.
“You can see the parade of true independence,” Bukele called on social networks.
Several social collectives mobilized against the state of emergency in the country, in force since last March and recently extended until Oct. 18.
Hemos reafirmado el apoyo a todos los sectores productivos del país, implementando estrategias que impacten de manera positiva en la población.
Juntos vamos a seguir construyendo un El Salvador con oportunidades para todos.#VerdaderaIndependencia 🇸🇻 pic.twitter.com/kIw40rDMzq
— Casa Presidencial 🇸🇻 (@PresidenciaSV) September 15, 2022
As on every Sept. 15, at least before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of this type of patriotic commemoration, military planes flew in the morning from the Ilopango air base over the city, a practice that revived the ghosts of the armed conflict (1980-1992) in the minds of many.
In the peculiar duel of narratives that polarizes the country, the ruling party emphasizes the armed forces and the National Civil Police in restoring peace.
At the same time, its opponents reject the price of peace in the form of human rights and constitutional guarantees.
The so-called Great March for Freedom, which marched to the central Plaza de la Independencia with slogans and proclamations, began a few meters from the end of the government parade in Cuscatlán Park, with no clashes between participants.
Some banners alluded to the pro-government deputies on the U.S. government’s Angel List of corrupt officials or the lack of widespread interest in Bitcoin.
Their ATMs are languishing due to disuse and indifference.
He did not participate in the parade on the 50th anniversary of independence, although it was assumed until hours before that he would take part in the parade and address a message to the nation.