Guatemalans fly giant kites to honour the Day of the Dead

[Judi Lynn]

Duration: 01:11 10 hrs ago

- video at link -

https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/news/guatemalans-fly-giant-kites-to-honour-the-day-of-the-dead/vi-BB1aDd0E

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Older article:



Giant Kites Sumpango & Santiago Sacatepequez Guatemala
Posted on Oct 15, 2018 by guatemala culture, guatemala arts
Spanish School Antigua Guatemala Blog

On November 1st of each year, on All Saints' Day in Guatemala, the well-known tradition of the Giant Kite Festival is celebrated. This colorful tradition admired by locals and tourists alike, takes place in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez, Guatemala.

Thousands of visitors arrive at the General Cemetery of the Municipality of Santiago Sacatepequez in November 1, where artistic and very creative works of artisans are exhibited. The Giant Kites (Barriletes Gigantes) are a sight to be seen. This cultural tradition of Guatemala is not only an artistic exhibition through the manufacture of kites, but it is also an ancient way to maintain the connection with the ancestors.

Historically, based on the philosophy of the Kaqchikel indigenous race, kites represent a union between the underworld and the world of the living. It is the link between those who have departed, the saints and the living.
Legend tells that each November 1st, the Giant Kites must be well prepared to receive the spirits of the ancestors, because if they do not find a good reception, they will bother and punish the living damaging the harvests. It is tradition that in each house of the village, a flower known as 'Flor del Muerto' is placed on the frames of the doors and windows, this serves to guide the ancestral spirits.

More:
https://www.spanishacademyantiguena.com/blog/2018









More photos:
https://tinyurl.com/y6dglx2e

GIANT KITE FESTIVAL in GUATEMALA: Festival de Barriletes Gigantes de Sumpango
Sacatepequez Guatemala

Giant Kites Festival, Day of the Dead | Sumpango, Guatemala 2018
3,025 views•Aug 9, 2020

All Saint's Day Giant Kite Festival in Sumpango

Connecting With Spirits Through Giant Handmade Kites

[soothsayer]

1. That's so cool. I had no idea!

[SheltieLover]

2. What a beautifu tradition!

Ty for sharing, Judi Lynn!

[RestoreAmerica2020]

3. What a spectacular event. The vivid colors, unique designs, artwork on kites--just beautiful

Last edited Tue Nov 3, 2020, 08:23 AM - Edit history (1)

..what a beautiful tradition to honor their lived ones. The history dating back to ancient Mayan culture is fascinating. Thanks for providing the many videos that display the rich culture, people of Guatemala --so want to be there--if only on my dream--and. what a dream that would be!

Right now, the only highlight of my day--given pamdemic restrictions, health issues is a trip to the post office, public library--a soul needs more than that.

Damn, I'm getting restless at this moment in my life should be ticking off bucket list eg places to see, cultures to experience and things to do. I told my only grandchild of 13 ..who I rarely.see due to pandemic ..that my bucket list has been changed drastically--that once travel restrictions abroad are lifted--I'm going to lease my home and travel. Where are you going, my granddaughter asked--I said anywhere but here..her response--Nana, your just being silly! Maybe, I said..how about I visit you in TX [near Houston] --that would be a start.

Didn't mention to her, yet to be honest, just don't want to be in red state anytime soon--I've had enough with trumpchumps, repubs--so for now better stay put and dream about far away places where colorful kites are flying in the wind.

Thank you for post. Paz.