National Anthem of Guatemala - Himno Nacional de Guatemala (1896 - Present)

The national anthem of Guatemala was written by José Joaquín Palma (1844–1911) and composed by Rafael Álvarez Ovalle. It is often erroneously titled «Guatemala Feliz!» from its opening lyrics, but it has no official name and is only referred to in the country as «Himno Nacional». It was adopted in 1896 as the winning entry in a competition held by the government. The lyrics were modified slightly in 1934 by Professor Jose Maria Bonilla Ruano, a Spanish grammar scholar. Some verses were softened in their bloody context while others were enhanced in their poetic beauty. The identity of the author of the song's original lyrics was not known until 1911, when on his deathbed, José Joaquín Palma revealed that he had authored the lyrics. The author of the music was Rafaél Álvarez Ovalle, originary form Comalapa, Chimaltenango. Recorded by the United States Navy Band - National Anthem of Guatemala