November and December are known to be the windiest months in Guatemala; they are also the months characterized by kites, corn pastries and coffee. November 1 marks the Day of the Dead in Guatemala, celebrated by many with visits to the cemetery, with flowers and food to honor their ancestors. Sumpango, Sacatepequez is known to celebrate this festive day with majestic, colorful, giant kites that depict social, environmental and political issues.
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Visitors and locals enjoyed the scenery and watch as the kites took over the sky at the festival.
Sumpango’s giant kite festival is an international attraction that has brought visitors from all over the world. The festival began in the early morning of the 1st as participants carried their giant kites to the soccer field where they would be displayed and judged for prizes. Each kite was unique in design, structure and message. Some displayed tones of blue while others were made up of a variety of bright colors to celebrate the beauty of life. A few kites were incredibly detailed, highlighting the details on the traditional clothes of the Sumpango women. Others had nothing more than a powerful environmental message like “our earth is sacred, she doesn’t need us but we need her…” and “water is life, lets protect it and clean it so our children have a future.”
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Locals visit their family members who have passed away and celebrate their memory with food, music and flowers.
People began to flood the field and streets at around 9:30am, waiting anxiou to witness the beautiful kites take flight into the clear, sunny sky. TV stations and news reporters interviewed people and participants on the subject. The smell of food and corn pastries filled the day and satisfied every festivalgoer’s taste buds. The kites took flight at around 11:00am and each team attempted to elevate their kites as high as they could to claim first place. The first group to be judged were the children’s kites, which were elaborate and medium sized. Only two groups were successful in getting their kites to fly but the crowd cheered for every group and admired each kite.
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Guatemala continues to maintain its beauty and various Mayan traditions as it celebrates its holidays and festive days. Sumpango’s kite festival was memorable and remarkable. The international community will eagerly await this beautiful festival and its colorful kites to once again brighten the skies next year.
