When is Army Day in Guatemala and what is commemorated?
In commemoration of the Military Movement of 1871, the next prolonged holiday will be for the celebration of Guatemala Army Day.
Strength, courage and honor are evoked in the commemoration of Army Day, which this year will give Guatemala a prolonged rest. The event, which will be held on Monday, June 30, recalls the role of the Armed Forces in the Military Movement of 1871.
154 years after that historical deed that marked a political, social and economic change in the country, the date – recognized in the calendar of official holidays of the Ministry of Labor – honors the effort of military entities, whose duty is to ensure the defense and sovereignty of the Guatemalan territory, as established by the Political Constitution of the Republic.
More than a simple holiday, Army Day remembers how, under the leadership of Generals Miguel García Granados and Justo Rufino Barrios, a deep transformation began that gave way to the liberal reform, a key process in national history.
Between parades, air shows and military vehicles exhibitions, the Armed Forces share with citizenship is commemoration, which gave way to the institutionality and formal recognition of the Guatemala army.
History of the celebration
On June 30, it was established as the official date of Army Day after the incorporation of the Armed Forces into the movement of the liberal reform, which marked the internal reorganization of the military body and the overthrow of then President Vicente Cerna.
Subsequently, Miguel García Granados assumed the State Headquarters, a position he held until June 4, 1873. During his management, he established the Public Force and promulgated the Military Code in 1872.
Thanks to the support of Barrios and under the leadership of García Granados, the Armed Forces promoted the creation of fundamental divisions for their modernization, including the military legal body, the Military Hospital, the General Payment, Educational Programs and the Military Health Service.
Before finishing his mandate, García Granados promoted the creation of a school for the training of professional military officers. This project was completed in September 1873 with the official recognition of the Polytechnic School of Guatemala, an institution that until today forms future members of the Army.
OFFICIAL ASUETS OF 2025
- Independence Day: Monday, September 15 (long rest)
- Revolution Day: Monday, October 20 (Official and Largo loan)
- All Saints Day: Saturday, November 1 (do not move; those who work that day receive double payment)
- Christmas: Thursday, December 25 (Official Asueto without change of date)