Lempira Day in Honduras Date in the current year: July 20, 2024

In 1533, Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo received a royal decree that gave him permission to conquer certain parts of Honduras. He then attempted to conquer the territory inhabited by the Lencas in western Honduras.

Chief Lempira organized resistance against the Spanish conquerors and gathered an army of about 30,000 people. Unfortunately, the resistance was ultimately unsuccessful. The Spaniards lured Lempira out to talk and then shot him dead. After their leader’s death, the Lenca surrendered.

Despite the defeat of Lempira's uprising and the subsequent conquest of Honduras, the Lenca leader is considered a national hero of Honduras. The currency of Honduras and one of the country’s 18 departments were named after him. Besides, Lempira is portrayed on the 1 lempira note.

Although Lempira Day is not a public holiday, it is widely celebrated throughout in Honduras, especially in schools (most Honduran schools are in session in July). On this day, children dress up as indigenous Hondurans and prepare presentations of different ethnic groups. Lempira Day is more than a holiday dedicated to a national hero, it is a celebration of indigenous culture and heritage.