ArteAntigua Actively delving into La Antigua’s dynamic realm of art

The national instrument and the national symbol

All it takes is one curious tourist, one passerby who glimpses the rich, dark-wood instrument through the entryway. I dare you to step away from the bustle of La Antigua Guatemala’s Calle del Arco, for they are waiting for you—the marimba players of Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo.

If you just venture through the doorway you will instantly be rewarded with a merry burst of whimsical notes. Exotic rings and tolls will swarm around you in melodic cheer.

The hotel’s 10 marimba players have been sharing their talent with La Antigua’s visitors for 35 years. Ten men, 35 years of marimba music. Marimbista Javier Hernández says such unity is integral to their art.

“There are 10 of us and each one needs to understand the others in the group in order for us to stay in harmony,” Hernández says. “And this is something that we have to work at. This is something that is a part of the music, a part of the performance. It’s necessary in order for us to awaken with the music. We need to make the music with courage and strength because that is how we draw in our audience … without an audience you are not a true artist. We have to awaken them.”