[4][5] In 1887, the president of Guatemala, General Manuel Lisandro Barillas Bercián, called for a competition to choose music that would complement the lyrics of the "National Anthem [es]" written by poet Ramón P. Molina.

Distinguished composers took part in this competition, and the triumph was awarded to music presented by Rafael Álvarez Ovalle [es].

[3][6] In 1896, the government of General José María Reina Barrios called for a new competition, "considering that Guatemala lacks a National Anthem, since the one known to this day by that name not only suffers from notable defects, but also has not been officially declared as such; and that it is convenient to provide the country with an anthem that, through its lyrics and music, responds to the lofty purposes for which all educated people lend this kind of composition.

The victory granted again to the teacher Álvarez Ovalle cost him the most bitter moments of his existence, as there was discontent among those who did not win, who even sent their complaint to the president.

In compliance with the honorable commission with which you favored us, taking charge of the qualification of the 'national anthems' presented to this secretariat, by virtue of the competition opened by the agreement of the 24th of last July, we have examined the twelve compositions that with such objective you were kind enough to send us on the 15th of the current.

[10][11] The premiere of the National Anthem took place in the literary lyrical act held at the Colón Theatre on the night of Sunday, 14 March 1897, as one of the main points of the programme of celebrations of the Exposición Centroamericana, with Álvarez Ovalle being decorated with a medal of gold and diploma of honor.

[12] The government of Manuel Estrada Cabrera awarded both him and Rafael Álvarez Ovalle with gold laurel wreaths at the Fiestas Minervalias [es] that year.

Que tus hijos valientes y altivos Ven con gozo en la ruda pelea El torrente de sangre que humea Del acero al vibrante chocar.

If tomorrow your sacred ground Is profaned by foreign invasion Stained in blood, your beautiful flag Will serve as a shroud for the bold.

Chorus I: Stained in blood, your beautiful flag Will serve as a shroud for the bold, May your people with fierce spirit Be rather dead than a slave.

Your ensign is a piece of heaven Between clouds of clear whiteness And woe to he who perjures with hand Dares to stain its colors!

May your brave and proud children See with joy in the rough fight The torrent of blood that emanates From the steel to the vibrant clash.

Lying on the superb Andes From two seas to the sonorous noise Under the wing of scarlet and gold You fall asleep to the beautiful quetzal.

Indian bird that lives on your coat of arms, Palladium that protects your soil May it take its flight More than the condor and the golden eagle!

If tomorrow your sacred ground Is threatened by foreign invasion Free to the wind, your beautiful flag To victory or death it will call.

Chorus I: Free to the wind, your beautiful flag To victory or death it will call; That your people with fierce spirit Rather dead than slave become.

Chorus II: And managed without a bloody clash To place you on a throne of love, Which from fatherland in energetic focus Gave life to the redemptive ideal.

Indian bird that lives in your shield, Palladium that protects your land May it take its flight Higher than the condor and the golden eagle!