Revolution Day
🇬🇹 Guatemala
- Public Holiday
- Countrywide
- Fixed date
Overview
Revolution Day, known in Guatemala as the Día de la Revolución, commemorates the October Revolution of 1944. On that date, a coalition of soldiers and civilians overthrew the government in Guatemala City. It is observed every year on October 20 as a nationwide public holiday.
What It Is
Revolution Day falls on the same date each year, October 20, and is a public holiday throughout Guatemala. Because it is a fixed-date observance, it can land on any day of the week. For most people it means a day away from work and school, with commemorations of the 1944 events marked by civic programs and school activities focused on the country's democratic history.
Why It Matters
For over a decade Guatemala had been ruled by General Jorge Ubico, who resigned in July 1944 after protests led by students, teachers, and professionals. His successor, Federico Ponce Vaides, kept the same style of rule, and on October 20 a rising of army officers and civilians, including Jacobo Árbenz and Francisco Javier Arana, overthrew him. A ruling junta then called elections won by Juan José Arévalo. The revolution is remembered as the start of the Ten Years of Spring, a period of political and social reform.
Countries Celebrating
1 country
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