Title: Guatemala / Mario Marimba

Print Description: The flag of Guatemala dates back to 1871, but the current flag was adopted on December 26, 1997. The white stripe between the two sky blue stripes represents the fact that Guatemala is a land located between two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and the
Atlantic Ocean. The white color also signifies peace and purity. It includes the Quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala that symbolizes liberty; a parchment scroll bearing the date of Central America's independence from Spain, September 15, 1821; crossed rifles, indicating Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by force if need be; a bay laurel crown, the symbol for victory; and crossed swords, representing honor. Like its Central American neighbors, Guatemala's national instrument is the marimba. In the 19th century, cases of wood replaced the keyboard and modern marimba orchestras began to settle on a form that includes percussion, saxophones, trumpets and banjos.