A brief history of the Guatemalan marimba and the efforts to keep it alive

The Guatemalan Consulate in Los Angeles had a deteriorated marimba sitting in storage for over 40 years. In an effort to maintain an ancient cultural connection, the consulate sought help from one of the last marimba restorers in the city.

[@Olivia_blessed7]

Yes we are very proud of our marimba and we have not forgotten it. We love it and very strong. God bless Guatemalan culture and being 100 💯 Guatemalan and knowing that my kids are 100 💯 Guatemalan too.

[@alexandriaramirez6722]

Thank you so much for taking the time to research and educate others and myself about Guatemalan culture

[@generalmorales2]

Great. No words to say when you hear the sound of the la Marimba. Thanks to those who make time to make this video.

[@jumpingship3001]

My Grandmother learned to play the marimba when she was a child. The Escalante circus left one with her Aunt for safe keeping and she self tought herself.

[@RCP7604tv]

I’m so pleased to watch this report L.A times.

[@paytonmacdonald]

Nice video to document an important aspect of the history of Marimba.

[@marlonbarrios1821]

Awesome video! Coming from parents from Guatemala, and myself being 1st generation American born, I completely understand why this is dying. My parents extremely rarely listen to Marimba music around the house and never really taught my siblings and I anything about the history and its significance. But when we would visit their country, and our family over there, we would see the difference in not only culture but the love of Marimba they have over there. Unfortunately, many Guatemalans that migrate to the USA don't listen to Marimba music anymore and in occasion mock those that listen to it. I've been mocked a few times by them and I don't even consider myself a full fledge Guatemalan. It's a shame that the lifestyle and culture here in the US makes many of them forget and even feel embarrassed of listening to this beautiful style of music.

[@KimberlyWood-ee6lc]

I have a gorgeous guatemalan marimba that I acquired about a year ago. I am serious in my attempt to keep the feeling and truth of the music of the spirit of the instrument while playing modern 4mallet solos on it.

[@KimberlyWood-ee6lc]

It makes me wonder if you might potentially interested in coming and resetting mine and helping me bring it current. (Fair payment, etc of course)

[@sailormercury3490]

Love the marimba🇬🇹🤟

[@mfg4919]

Thank you, more of this‼️❣️

[@marplato2558]

Great video. 👍

[@luisvelasco8311]

Anyone know a marimba group for hire. I’d like to have them play for a wedding.

[@miguelbran1854]

I’m proud of my Country and my people.

[@raggazo23]

Does anyone know who invented the modern marimba?

[@michaelmaps2004]

It's from Angola and Zimbabwe I think

[@absaloj]

There are only a few Guatemalan Marimba compositions then it repeats itself. There hasn’t been any innovation for years when it comes to compositing new Marimba songs. It’s quite tragic.

[@dannysands9341]

The marimba origin came from southern Africa

[@toorop111]

The origin of marimba is actually african.

[@user-qd9lj9dx1m]

Thank you

[@yusefnegao]

🇦🇴 Angolan to be precise

[@yusefnegao]

I just watched the video they did mention that

[@RubyTwilite]

So is the origin of humans.

[@acenturyofblackmusic1655]

Lol,it's african.just like the banjo.