Origin of the celebration of Flag Day

On August 17, Guatemala celebrates Flag Day ; a special date that commemorates this national symbol that is the oldest in the country. This emblem represents us all over the world and is part of our identity as Guatemalans. That is its importance and the reason for celebrating this day.

How was Flag Day born?

Flag Day is celebrated on August 17 , since it was this day in 1871 when the official flag of Guatemala was released , with three vertical stripes of blue, white and blue. However, the light blue color that it has today was not made official until Méndez Montenegro came to power in 1966, because it is the color that characterizes the sky of Guatemala .

After a long struggle between conservatives and liberals who were at odds since the Independence of Guatemala , on September 15, 1821, the flag underwent several modifications depending on the side that was in the government of the day.

It was not until August 17, 1871 when the flag had one last change, which would be the definitive one. For this reason it was decided to decree that every August 17 the Guatemalan Flag Day be commemorated.

The blue colors symbolize justice, sweetness, loyalty, the national sky, strength, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea that bathe our coasts. The white represents peace, purity, integrity, faith, firmness and obedience, as well as the nation itself and peace.