The Secret History Behind Guatemala's Flag
Guatemala turned its flag on its side to stand apart from its neighbors.
The countries of Central America all used blue and white horizontal stripes inherited from the Federation. On August 17, 1871, Guatemala restored the original blue and white colors, but changed the stripes from horizontal to vertical so that its flag would not be confused with those of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua or Costa Rica.
In the center is the national emblem: a resplendent quetzal perched above a scroll that reads "Libertad 15 de septiembre de 1821", with two rifles and two swords crossed behind it and a laurel wreath.
The two blue stripes stand for strength, justice, truth and loyalty, and the white one for purity and integrity.
The date printed on every Guatemala design in our catalog, September 15, 1821, is the one written on that scroll.
A flag that is the same blue and white as its neighbors, only standing up.
Looking for a gift with a story? See our heritage gift guide, or read the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Stories page.