The national flag of Guatemala, often referred to as "Pabellón Nacional" or "Azul y Blanco" features two colors: sky blue and white. The two sky blue stripes represent the fact that Guatemala is a land located between two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean ; and the sky over the country. The white signifies peace and purity. The blue and white colors, like those of several other countries in the region, are based on the flag of the former Federal Republic of Central America.
Flag of Guatemala flying on an outdoor flagpole
Guatemalan child holding the flag of Guatemala
Members of the Armed Forces raising the flag during Flag Day
Image: Bandera PRO
National anthem of Guatemala
The national anthem of Guatemala was an initiative of the government of General José María Reina Barrios. Its music was composed by Rafael Álvarez Ovalle and its original lyrics written by Cuban poet and diplomat José Joaquín Palma, in the context of the cultural and industrial event Exposición Centroamericana of 1897.
National anthem of Guatemala
Colón Theatre after its remodelling in 1892. The National Anthem of Guatemala was premiered here on 14 March 1897.
Facsimile of the original lyrics by J.J. Palma with verses from the National Anthem, written in 1897. National History Museum of Guatemala.
Cuban poet and hero José Joaquín Palma, author of the original lyrics of the anthem