On September 5th is commemorated the National Day of the Quetzal, patriotic symbol as established in Decree 33 of November 18, 1871, where it was declared as National Bird of Guatemala. The quetzal is recognized by its long plumage. The tail feathers of the male can measure up to 90 centimeters while the female lacks them and the crest. Nowadays the Quetzal is much more than the National Bird, it is part of the national currency, which bears its name; it also stands out in the National Coat of Arms of Guatemala. It also stands out in the National Coat of Arms of Guatemala. "Ave indiana que vive en tu escudo... y ojalá que remonte su vuelo...", stanzas of the National Anthem of which the bird is also part, therefore it is a very representative symbol for Guatemala, a species that is also in danger of extinction. In the past, this species was considered divine by the Mayas. The Aztecs believed that this bird was the "God of Air" and saw it as a symbol of goodness and light. Its long tail full of green feathers was symbolically revered in spring for the growth of flora. The Quetzal, its chest and belly is red, the story goes that when the Conqueror Don Pedro de Alvarado was fighting with the Quiché king "Tecún Umán" mortally wounded the latter in the abdomen, the bird came down and landed on the wound, marking its chest with an intense crimson red color. One of the highest decorations awarded by the Government of Guatemala is the "Order of the Quetzal", established in 1936 by the then President of the Republic, Jorge Ubico. This order establishes six degrees: Grand Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight; and is offered as recognition to the artistic, civic, humanitarian, cultural, educational, scientific and political work that deserves the highest official recognition of the Government of Guatemala.

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