Latin American Independence Days: A Calendar & What to Wear
, par Vivian Fong, 2 min temps de lecture
A month-by-month calendar of Latin American independence days — from Mexico to Panama — with what traditional dress to wear and where to find it.
Across Latin America, Independence Day is the proudest day on the calendar — a moment for parades, folkloric dance, family gatherings, and, of course, dressing in the colors of the flag. If you want to celebrate your heritage in traditional dress, here's a month-by-month calendar of when each country marks its independence, and what to wear.
February
Dominican Republic — February 27
The Dominican Republic celebrates with Carnival season in full swing. Wear a red, white, and blue fiesta dress in the colors of the flag. Read the guide · Shop Dominican dresses
July
Venezuela — July 5
Venezuela's Independence Day calls for a joropo-ready dress in yellow, blue, and red. Read the guide · Shop Venezuelan dresses
Colombia — July 20
Colombians fly the tri-color of yellow, red, and blue — often topped with a sombrero vueltiao. Read the guide · Shop Colombian dresses
August
Ecuador — August 10
Ecuador marks the first cry of independence in Quito. Celebrate in a red, blue, and yellow fiesta dress. Read the guide · Shop Ecuadorian dresses
September — the biggest month
September 15 is shared Independence Day across much of Central America, and it also opens Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15).
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras & Nicaragua — September 15
These nations celebrate together on the 15th with folkloric dance and parades. Wear your country's colors:
- Costa Rica — red, white, and blue. Guide · Shop
- El Salvador — white and blue. Guide · Shop
- Honduras — white and turquoise. Guide · Shop
- Nicaragua — white with blue ribbons. Guide · Shop
Mexico — September 16 (El Grito, the night of the 15th)
Families gather for El Grito on the night of September 15 into the 16th. Wear a green, white, and red folklorico-style dress. Read the guide · Shop Mexican dresses
November
Panama — November 3 & November 28
Panama celebrates twice: separation from Colombia on November 3 and the first cry of independence from Spain on November 28. It's also pollera season, leading into the country's famous folkloric festivals. Read the pollera guide · Shop Panama
A Note on Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and doesn't have an independence day, but Puerto Rican pride shines at the Puerto Rican Day Parade (June), Three Kings Day (January 6), and throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. Wear the white, red, and blue with the lone star. Read the guide · Shop Puerto Rico
Plan Ahead & Celebrate in Style
Handmade dresses have limited stock and ship from the USA, so order ahead of your country's celebration. Not sure where to start? Explore our country-by-country guide to traditional dresses of Latin America or browse our best sellers.
