History of the Guatemala Flag: 1821 Independence to the 1871 Design
Follow Guatemala’s flag from independence and the Central American federation through political changes of the nineteenth century to the vertical blue-white-blue design established on August 17, 1871.
1821: independence from Spain
Guatemala became independent from Spain in 1821. The independence date, September 15, 1821, remains permanently visible in the modern coat of arms on the parchment scroll at the center of the national flag.
The Central American federation period
After independence, Guatemala formed part of the Federal Republic of Central America. Blue-and-white colors became strongly associated with the region and remained important as Guatemala developed its own national identity.
Nineteenth-century flag changes
Guatemala used several flag arrangements during the decades after independence. Political changes and shifting regional relationships produced different combinations and layouts before the modern pattern emerged.
August 17, 1871: the modern layout
During the government of Miguel GarcÃa Granados, the national flag was redesigned with three equal vertical blue-white-blue bands. The coat of arms was placed at the center of the white field.
August 17 is now observed as Guatemala’s DÃa de la Bandera, directly connecting the modern civic observance with the adoption of the current basic design.
Guatemala flag history FAQ
When was the current Guatemala flag adopted?
The modern blue-white-blue layout dates to August 17, 1871.
Why is September 15, 1821 on the coat of arms?
It records the date of Central American independence from Spain.
Why is August 17 Flag Day?
It commemorates the 1871 establishment of the modern national flag.
Congress of Guatemala — Decree 104-97
Government of Guatemala — DÃa de la Bandera
