Sounds of Guatemalan Marimba

Celebrate the sound of Guatemala’s national instrument with these performances by Marimba Linda Xelajú (6:18), Marimba Mi Pequeña Internacional (33:00), and Marimba Maya Awal (59:52). A symbol of Guatemalan national identity, the marimba is a large instrument played by striking rows of wooden bars with mallets. The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Traditional marimba music serves as a link to Guatemalan culture for young Guatemalans living in the United States.
Recorded on September 9, 2023 at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.