Revolution Day (Guatemala) – Oct. 20, 2026

Expected Revolution Day (Guatemala) Deals

Revolution Day is a time for reflection and national pride in Guatemala, rather than commercial deals. Organizations such as the Museo de la Revolución and the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala may host special exhibits, lectures, or commemorative events to educate the public on the historical significance of the 1944 uprising. Human rights groups like the Myrna Mack Foundation often use this period to highlight ongoing advocacy for justice and democracy. Educational institutions and cultural centers across the country focus on historical awareness and civic engagement. We will update this page with confirmed live events and educational programs as October 20 approaches.

History of Revolution Day (Guatemala)

For most of its history, Guatemala saw successive regimes by unpopular dictators. In 1944, the country reeled under the rule of Jorge Ubico, a man who considered Adolf Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte his inspirations. Anger against Ubico had risen over the years. Around spring of that very same year, change and revolution were in the air.

Students, workers, and teachers took charge, banding together to resist Ubico’s rule. As one of the first acts of defiance, Guatemala’s teachers refused to participate in the annual Teachers Day Parade scheduled for June 30. They demanded better working conditions and higher wages. In solidarity, hundreds of workers gathered in Guatemala City for a non-violent protest ahead of the parade. The government response? A military crackdown where 200 people died. This unprovoked attack triggered a nationwide strike. Ordinary citizens refused to endure Ubico’s rule any longer. The dictator surrendered power to his generals. Led by Federico Ponce Vaides, the military junta took Ubico’s place and continued enacting his oppressive policies.

The tipping point arrived when Alejandro Cordova, a prominent anti-government journalist, was assassinated on October 1. The event strengthened the resolve of an already-angry public, now determined to revolt more than ever before. Aided by a military officer named Jacobo Árbenz, the Guatemalans toppled the junta in a military coup, also known as the October Revolution.

Later, the coup called for free and open elections. The people of Guatemala responded by voting for Juan Jose Arevalo, a professor of Philosophy and champion of progressive social reforms. Arevalo won with a landslide victory. He implemented numerous labor and agriculture reforms that bolstered the country’s economy.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Revolution Day (Guatemala)