Guatemala is known for many events and festivities. But one festival that is celebrated is not experienced anywhere else in the entire world – Kite Festival – Day of the Dead in Sumpango (November 1).
The day is to remember the dead. Over 500 years ago the tradition started that flying kites as high as possible allows you to commune with the spirits of your loved ones that have passed on. It’s a beautiful celebration and since then has evolved.
Today the kites go from small to huge, with over 30 meters in diameter. These can’t be flown, but are on display as art works from local villages that get sponsored to represent their message.
The smaller kites, going up to 12 meters in diameter, are flown during the day as a competition. It starts with the small ones in the morning, towards the end of the day when there is more wind.
But aside from the competitions, everyone gets kites and flies them, and it’s a super fun day for families.
Kites at the Kite Festival in Guatemala
Each kite has a unique story to tell. It is similar to going to a museum.
You can study each kite, but with kids it’s gotta be a quickie run through, cause all they want is Cotton Candy and to fly kites.
They are some of the most amazing things you will ever see for sure.
This is a peacock!
More and more artistic kites.
And now it’s time to buy our own. There are tons of stands like this everywhere. And the kites cost anywhere from $1 – $5. And you can’t even imagine how huge the $5 kites are.
My little men getting ready to fly their kites.
These are the kites that are actually flown.
What we see all day.
The competitions begin.
More kites to chose from.
Ok, so my kids didn’t go for the traditional ones. But they did get fun ones.
Now the hard part…
Bonding – this is the most special part of the day
Fly fly fly away!
But kites aren’t the only fun of the festival. Who is up for some serious Guatemala Traditional Food via street vendors.
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I love this blog post.
Amazing pictures of the festival.
How cool! I just missed this. But I was in Solola for Dec 6th for a crazy fireworks festival.
I’m going to try and make it to this next year. Great pictures.