Guatemala in the OTI Festival


This Central Américan country made its debut in the OTI festival in 1974 when the contest was being held in the Mexican tourist city of Acapulco.
Guatemala and its OTI member TV Station, Televisiete participated in the event almost uninterruptedly and withdrew only twice, in 1978 and 1979. The participation of Ricardo Arjona, who represented his country in 1987, is of particular note. Although he only managed to get the 12th place, he rose quickly to stardom.

History

Although Guatemala sent some well known names to the OTI Festival, this country had a lustreless trajectory in the festival. The Guatemalan Broadcaster never managed to win the festival. This country placed second in 1974, their debut year, with Tanya Zea. The country managed to reach the top 10 again in 1976 with Hugo Leonel Baccaro and in 1980 with Grupo Madrigal. Since then, the Central American Country got only moderate placings.

National Final

Following the example of México, Chile and later Cuba, Televisiete also created its own national selection process for Guatemala. The Guatemalan national OTI festival was celebrated every year in Guatemala City since the debut of the country in the festival.
As in the other countries where a preselection was organised, the winner act, who would represent the country in the Song Contest was elected by a professional jury who voted for their favourite performers.

Contestants

YearArtistSongPlacePts
:es:OTI_2000|2000Lico VadelliLuna serena
:es:OTI_1998|1998Nelson LealSueño de smog
:es:OTI_1997|1997Rafael AlfaroCantándole A La Vida
:es:OTI_1996|1996Álvaro AguilaPara encontrar la paz
:es:OTI_1995|1995Mario MejíaSiéntelo
:es:OTI_1994|1994NorisSor Juana Inés y el Ángel
:es:OTI_1993|1993Mario VidesNiño, Salva a tu Mundo
:es:OTI_1992|1992Edgar D. ÁvalosDe la mano
:es:OTI_1991|1991Sergio IvánYo Quiero, Yo Puedo
:es:OTI_1990|1990AnnabyEs por Demás
:es:OTI_1989|1989Roberto ReyTraigo la Voz
:es:OTI_1988|1988Ricardo ArjonaUna Estrella en el Vientre 121
:es:OTI_1987|1987Chito OrdóñezQue Dios nos Libere de la Locura del Hombre
:es:OTI_1986|1986Rodolfo YelaAmistad y Esperanza
:es:OTI_1985|1985Gloria MarinaEscenario
:es:OTI_1984|1984Julio EnriqueEl Gran Final
:es:OTI_1983|1983Rolando OrtegaConcierto 20
:es:OTI_1982|1982Sandra PatriciaVíveme 158
:es:OTI_1981|1981Sergio IvánEstoy Loco 211
:es:OTI_1980|1980Grupo MadrigalDulce y Suavemente 919
:es:OTI_1977|1977Mildred y ManoloEl Verbo Amar 170
:es:OTI_1976|1976Hugo Leonel VaccaroQué Haré sin Ti 83
:es:OTI_1975|1975Mario VidesVivirás pensado en alguien más
142
:es:OTI_1974|1974Tanya Zea 214