At around 10:25 a.m. this morning the Independence Torch arrived in Costa Rica from Nicaragua through Peñas Blancas.

The Independence Torch represents the liberty and independence of Costa Rica and the rest of the Central American countries.

The tradition of the torch traveling through the different Central American countries began in 1964, the torch begins its journey in Guatemala and concludes it in Costa Rica.

Sadly, today, the arrival of the torch was overshadowed in Costa Rica due to the different protests that have taken the headlines of all media channels.

The torch will travel through the Costa Rican territory in the hands of students from different locations, a total of 378 kilometers, making the last stop in Cartago where it is scheduled to arrive at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 14, at this hour the traditional lanterns´parade (desfile de faroles) takes place and communities gather to sing the September 15th anthem.

This weekend Costa Rica celebrates 197 years of independence.

The torch was declared a National Symbol on September 14, 2005 during the administration of president Abel Pacheco.