Honduras: Francisco Morazan's Birthday – October 3, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Francisco Morazan’s Birthday is commemorated on October 3 in Honduras. It is a public holiday. Morazan was born on this day in 1792. The date may be changed if it collides with another major festival during October. There are three public holidays in October in Honduras. In recent years, important festivals are celebrated together to encourage domestic tourism. Those working in the public sector are granted a full week of holidays to celebrate Francisco Morazan’s Birthday and other important days. Those working in the private sector may be granted a long weekend off.

History of Honduras: Francisco Morazan's Birthday

Morazan is the only citizen of the country who has a public holiday named after him. Morazan was born on October 3, 1792, in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Morazan became involved in local politics and enlisted as a volunteer to fight against Mexico’s annexation of Central America. In 1823 Central America broke away from Mexico following which the states of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica became unified. In 1824, Morazan led the defense against Manuel Jose Arce but was defeated and captured. He escaped and took charge of a small army in Nicaragua. He eventually won the battle on November 11, 1827.

This victory made Morazan a household name in Central America. In 1830, he was elected as the president of the Federal Republic of Central America. Conservatives were angered by Morazan’s liberal outlook and revolted against his presidency. The revolts all failed until 1837 when Rafael Carrera led a successful revolt. Carrera’s forces finally defeated Morazan, who went into exile in Colombia.

In 1842, Morazan returned to restore his authority. He attacked and defeated the forces of the Costa Rican dictator Braulio Carillo. Unfortunately, the Costa Ricans turned on him and he was executed on September 15, 1842. Despite his brutal death, Morazan is now viewed as a visionary, progressive leader, and a commander who fought for the welfare of Central America.
In Honduras and El Salvador, there are provinces, parks, streets, schools, and businesses named after the formidable Francisco Morazan.

Honduras: Francisco Morazan's Birthday timeline

1825

Marriage

Francisco Morazan marries Maria Josefa Lastiri.

1826—1827

Battle of La Trinidad

Francisco Morazan defeats Manuel Jose Arce.

1828

Civil War

Manuel Jose Arce orders his troops to attack citizens.

1830—1834

First-term as President

He becomes the president on September 16, 1830.

Honduras: Francisco Morazan's Birthday FAQs

Why is Francisco Morazán important?

Francisco Morazán was an outstanding military and political hero of Central America from 1827 until his death.

What did Francisco Morazan do?

He enacted liberal reforms in the new Federal Republic of Central America, including freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. Morazán also limited church power by making marriage secular and abolishing government-aided tithing.

What is Honduras famous for?

Honduras is known for its rich natural resources, including minerals, coffee, tropical fruit, and sugar cane, as well as for its growing textiles industry, which serves the international market.

How to Observe Honduras: Francisco Morazan's Birthday

Read about Francisco Morazan
Celebrate Francisco Morazan's Birthday by reading up about his life. Learn more about him as a warrior, patriot, family man, and progressive president who always championed liberal ideas.
Visit Honduras
Francisco Morazan's Birthday is the only observance in Honduras that is celebrated after a person. Needless to say, it’s a major event in the country. Visit Honduras to celebrate the day in full splendor.
Spread the word
Not many people outside of Honduras know about Francisco Morazan's Birthday. Why not spread the word about the day and get more people interested in the history of Honduras?

5 Facts About Honduras

The name Honduras has a meaning
It translates to “Great Depths.”
Honduras is home to coral reefs
It has the second largest coral reef in the world after Australia.
It is a poor country
Nearly 60% of its population lives below the poverty line.
A prime location in Central America
It shares borders with four of the seven countries of the region.
They have strict no-smoking laws
Smoking is banned inside one’s home.

Why Honduras: Francisco Morazan's Birthday is Important

A revered personality
We celebrate Francisco Morazan's Birthday to pay our respects to Francisco Morazan, one of the most revered personalities in Central America. This is also the day to remember his teachings and words of wisdom.
A lesson in humanity
Francisco Morazan was a great champion of liberalism and human rights. Celebrations such as Francisco Morazan's Birthday remind us of his lessons of love, unity, and peace and how to implement these lessons in our day-to-day life.
Pride of Honduras
The erstwhile president of Honduras is also the nation’s pride. We celebrate Francisco Morazan's Birthday in remembrance of one of the most beloved people of Hondurance.