Bank Employee Day (Día del Empleado Bancario) is observed in Guatemala every July 1 to celebrate the contributions of individuals working in the banking sector. This holiday highlights the roles of all bank employees, from cashiers to the president of the central bank, and results in the closure of all banks in the country, granting employees a day off. The origins of Guatemala's banking system date back to 1871 with the establishment of the National Bank of Guatemala, which faced several reforms and challenges over the years, including the introduction of the quetzal as the national currency in 1926 and the establishment of the Bank of Guatemala in 1945. As of 2018, the banking system in Guatemala includes 17 commercial banks, with a significant concentration of assets among six major banks. The observance of Bank Employee Day serves to recognize the essential role of banking professionals in the economy.