Giant Kites: An Ancestral Flight Connecting Sky and Memory
Every 1st of November, the sky over Guatemala transforms into a vibrant canvas, painted with colours, stories and hopes. The Giant Kites, an age-old tradition mainly taking place in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, are much more than enormous paper comets: they are a bridge between the living and their departed loved ones — a way to honour memory and keep the spiritual connection alive.
The Giant Kites have their origins in Mayan beliefs. According to oral tradition, the kites help to ward off evil spirits from the cemetery during All Saints’ Day. Over time, the practice has taken on new meanings: today, beyond its spiritual significance, the kites are true community artworks that convey social, political and environmental messages.
In Sumpango, the celebration is held at the Municipal Field next to the cemetery, while in Santiago Sacatepéquez, the event takes place at the General Cemetery. In both locations, families gather from the early morning to clean and decorate the graves with flowers, traditional food and candles. At the same time, dozens of artisan groups display kites that can reach up to 20 metres in diameter, made of bamboo and brightly coloured tissue paper.
Attending the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala on the 1st of November is not only about witnessing a stunning visual show, but about immersing yourself in the essence of a people who know how to honour their dead by celebrating life. Each string, each fragment of paper, every message displayed on these massive colourful sails reminds us that memory is an invisible thread that, like the kites, soars high and never breaks.
In 2022, this tradition was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, reaffirming its value as a symbol of identity and social cohesion.
The festival is also an opportunity to enjoy Guatemalan cuisine. During the day, it’s traditional to try fiambre, a cold dish made with cured meats, vegetables, and pickles, served with bread and traditional drinks. You’ll also find local sweets, atol de elote (sweetcorn drink), and crafts made by local artisans.
It’s important to remember that cemeteries are sacred spaces for families. Avoid standing on graves and be respectful of those visiting their deceased loved ones. If you want to take photographs, ask for permission where appropriate.
Many visitors combine the experience with a stroll through La Antigua. Some of the kite masterpieces are later exhibited in the central park of this colonial city, allowing people to appreciate them up close and without crowds.
Giant Kites: An Ancestral Flight Connecting Sky and Memory
By: Julissa Carrillo
Photos by Luis Noriega
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Guatemala kite festival November 1
