Comments on: Giant Kites of Santiago Sacatepéquez

By: Guatemalan Sweets Sampler | AntiguaDailyPhoto.Com

Guatemalan Sweets Sampler | AntiguaDailyPhoto.Com — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:13:15 +0000

[...] remembering their dead. They also fly kites to help unite the dead with the living. In Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez they even fly giant kites over the cemeteries.Since I have covered in previous years the giant [...]

By: MO

MO — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:16:58 +0000

Janna, great question about the ground on the graveyard not having grass or plants. I am also curious to know why.

By: Tim Parish

Tim Parish — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:05:35 +0000

I agree with the others who have commented on the beauty and spectacle of these unusual large circular kites. Much of my website is about kites and kite flying from countries around the world. Looking hard at the pics, it was hard to pick much detail about what type of materials were used, and construction methods – but it was a fascinating glimpse into another kiting culture anyway! From the smaller picture showing a kite in flight, it appears they fly tail-less too. I am particularly fond of kites that fly without tails – in the smaller sizes, there’s a bit of an art to making that happen…

By: janna

janna — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:52:02 +0000

wow, they’re huge! I love the idea behind making and flying them. I agree with Raquel, it’s beautiful to have a day to remember the dead in such a festive way. I’m a little jealous, too, of traditions such as this that require so much effort and preparation. Everything here is pre-packaged and marketed so as to be easy. To spend days (weeks maybe!) preparing the kites, the flowers, and the food for Día de los Muertes must truly be a labor of love, and a bonding experience for families and the community.
I’m curious about that graveyard, though. Why is it all bare earth, with no grass or plants?
Great pictures, Rudy!!

By: JM

JM — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:23:50 +0000

Beautiful kites! So very eye-catching!

By: Lessie

Lessie — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:01:30 +0000

Beautiful shots — my fav is the one of the cemetery.

By: Raquel

Raquel — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:05:58 +0000

Que hermosa!
Rudy these are gorgeous! There must be so much love and work put into each kite. They’re amazing. and I love the idea of having bright colors and festive spirits in a graveyard. Here in Canada they’re such somber places and Oct. 31 is such a dark holiday. THis is a refreshing site!

By: Don B.

Don B. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:49:15 +0000

My wife and I saw the kites in Santiago last year. Very nice. There was a big procession through town last night. Did you take pictures?

By: MaggieD

MaggieD — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:03:33 +0000

We’re here! …very much enjoying this series and plan to schedule at least one of my trips next year around this festival. What a beautiful custom. While in school the last time my teacher’s mother died and she included me in the activities following a death. I’ve been following “her” kite in spirit these past days. Thank you for this rich insight into your culture.

By: emromesco

emromesco — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:01:16 +0000

When you are flying kites no-one hears you scream. Thanks for the colourful pics, cemeteries are such cool places around the world. That should be one of the monthly topics on the daily photo team, or has it been already?

By: JT

JT — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:52:34 +0000

These past 2 days have had especially great stories and pics! Sorry I am missing the festival, I won’t be down there till the 16th.