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The marimba, a xylophone of African origin encountered in most places, probably arrived in Central America during the slave era. The instrument has undergone noticeable changes over time, both in shape and dimensions. It is voluminous and consists of several dozen tone woods, each of which has a resonance box. Two or three natives stand in front of this keyboard, which they work with small sticks. At folk festivals, they are often accompanied by wind instruments, such as saxophones, trumpets or trombones. The latter originate from Europe and were adopted by the natives. - 1977

In Chichicastenango, the indigenous people celebrate the day of Santo Tomás, patron saint of this beautiful Guatemalan village, on 21 December. The marimba, a xylophone of African origin, found in most places, was probably introduced into Central America during slavery. However, it has undergone significant changes over time, both in terms of its shape and size. It is a bulky instrument with several dozen wooden keys, each with a resonance box. Two or three natives stand in front of this keyboard and strike it with small sticks. In many popular festivals, they are still accompanied by players of wind instruments such as saxophones, trumpets and trombones. These instruments, which came from Europe, were immediately adopted by the locals. - 1977