Music of Guatemala

Photo Source:  TravelPod

The music of Guatemala is a blend of influences from the indigenous Maya and Xinca, the coastal Garifuna, and the Europeans.  Like any modern nation, Guatemala has a wide diversity of music styles; from Indigenous through Classical to Hip Hop.  This post will highlight the indigenous and folk music of Guatemala. 


The marimba (a percussion instrument) is fantastically popular in Guatemala and has been elevated to the status of national instrument.  It is uniquely constructed from native Hormigo wood that gows only in the local forests.  The origin of this instrument is steeped in controversy (Bella Online) and reflects the  ongoing ethnic strife that is Guatemala.  Here are two clips of marimba music in Guatemala. 

The following clip is a fantastic re-creation of traditional Mayan instruments by Rey Ortega. Near the end of the clip is a flute played with fire and another constructed from a human skull. 

This next clip is a percussion and wind composition.  It is accompanied by a slide show of the Mayan archaeological ruins. 

The final clip is a popular composition that is heard throughout Latin America.  This particular group is from Guatemala