The most revered leader of the Lenca people was Chief Lempira who, in the 1500s, managed to hold off invading Spanish forces. Though Lempira was ultimately killed by conquistadors, he is celebrated every July 20 on what’s known as Lempira Day. During the Lempira Festival, the normally sleepy town of Gracias, Honduras hosts the biggest celebration of them all with a three-hour Lempira Day Parade, air force flyovers, and fireworks.
Celebrating during the annual Lempira Festival and in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
Celebrating culture and history in Gracias, Honduras.
For more about Lempira Day and other reasons to visit this part of Honduras, check out our travel story about Gracias for the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Here’s more about travel in Honduras
Here’s more about Festivals & Celebrations in the Americas
See all of our Photo Essays
Cutest costumes ever!
Some of those kids look so cute in those costumes! I especially like the money dress.
Great photos! It looks like you guys are having a great time.
Beautiful photos! You really captured some great expressions and emotions of the children. I was unaware of this celebration and its significance. Thanks for sharing!
Wow so cute! You must have had a killer awesome spot for the parade to get such awesome shots!
Love the faces! The expressions say so much!