Today Salvadorans people celebrate their country’s strength, independence, and culture with festivals and parties all over the Central American nation. Parades of soldiers on horseback fill the streets as attendees eat the national dish, corn cakes called pupusas—all this set to a soundtrack of marching “peace bands.”

Today’s Doodle depicts the flag of El Salvador, whose blue and white colors and inscription of “Dios, unión, libertad” connect it to other Central American countries that declared their independence together in 1821. Proud citizens wave the flag all over the country on National Day.

The flag is seen against a backdrop of mountains and volcanoes, which are prevalent here.  The most famous of El Salvador’s 20 or so volcanoes is Cerro Cinotepeque, which last erupted in 2013.

Independence Day is all about getting together with friends and family and celebrating El Salvador from the mountains to the beaches and the cities.

Happy Independence Day, El Salvador!