June 30 is an official holiday in Guatemala for Army Day, as established in article 127 of the Labor Code.
The date commemorates the role of the Armed Forces in the military movement of 1871.
After the death of President Rafael Carrera in 1865, the population believed that the new government would change the course of the country. However, President Vicente Cerna announced that he would continue with the conservative policies of his predecessor.
Dissatisfied, generals Miguel García Granados and Justo Rufino Barrios led a military movement that managed to overthrow the Cerna government on June 30, 1871, a historical event known as the Liberal Revolution of 1871.
The incorporation of the Armed Forces into the Liberal Reform movement also marked the internal reorganization of the military institution.
In commemoration of that event, former president Juan José Arévalo instituted Army Day in 1945 and established December 22 for its celebration.
In 1953 it was announced that the Government would change the date to October 20, in commemoration of Revolution Day; However, after the overthrow of Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán, the provision became invalid.
During the government of Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes, June 30 was made official as the date for celebrating Army Day, although at that time it was called Soldier’s Day, a name that was later replaced.
This year, the Guatemalan Army celebrates 155 years of service and shares a series of stories that highlight the work of the men and women who make up the institution.
The Labor Code, in its article 127, includes June 30 among the national holidays of mandatory rest and pay for private sector workers.
However, the current legislation contained in the Law that Promotes Domestic Tourism of Guatemala, established in Decree 42-2010 and reformed by Decree 19-2018, provides that holidays that coincide with Tuesday or Wednesday will be moved to the immediately preceding Monday.
For this reason, this year the Army Day holiday will be moved to Monday, June 29, which will allow workers to enjoy an extended rest or a long weekend.