History

The Order of the Liberator of the Slaves José Simeón Cañas (Orden del Libertador de los Esclavos José Simeón Cañas) was instituted by Presidential Decree on October 16, 1966. It is conferred upon Salvadoran and foreign citizens in recognition of achievements obtained in humanitarian, scientific, educational, and philanthropic fields. It is second in order of precedence right after of the National Order of José Matías Delgado.

It is awarded with five grades; Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, and Knight. However, it is not clear if the grade denotes the rank of the recipient. The collar is awarded exclusively to heads of states.

José Simeón Cañas (1767-1838) was a priest, theologian, and philosopher, who petitioned the National Constituent Assembly of the United Provinces of Central America to abolish slavery in 1838, consequently it was decreed the abolition of slavery in favor of equality the men in Central America. This action was the first of its kind in the Americas.

It is not clear if the Order has motto.

There is limited information regarding this item.