Dia De Los Santos (All Saints Day)

All Saints Day is observed on November 1st throughout Guatemala. This is a joyful time for families to come together to pay their respects to deceased relatives by visiting and decorating family cemeteries. Winds that are distinctive of the new season begin to appear in November. These wind conditions are ideal for kite flying.

Kites are flown during these Guatemalan festivals as a symbolic attempt to speak with the dead. The communities of Sumpango and Santiago put on one of the most spectacular performances of the event. People spend months, if not a whole year, there making massive barriletes gigantes (giant kites). These kites may reach heights of several stories. Many are round, but some are more detailed, like a peacock, owl, or butterfly. They're all made of tissue paper or rice paper and bamboo, and they're all large enough to be flown when the wind allows. Frequently, the kites carry vital social messages about the environment, women's rights, and kid protection.

Locals in Sumpango compete to see who can make the most beautiful kite and have it fly the longest. This particular day in Sumpango, known as El Festival de Barriletes Gigantes, is one of Guatemala's most famous festivals. People come from all over the world to see the kites because of their vivid colors and size, as well as the wonderful tradition of honoring deceased loved ones.

Date: November 1st