All the kite shops are ready for the vientos fuertes, strong winds from the north. Here I share with you a window view into what you might expect in a typical kite shop in the Mayan highlands of Guatemala. On the right side of the frame you can see over 1.25 meter or 4-ft wide … Read more
Here’s your Guatemalan Spanish word of the day: Barriletes for kites. In my humble opinion, Santiago Sacatepequez is the most photogenic location to watch in awe the magnificent giant kites of Guatemala because they are flown form the graveyard, with people running in all directions over the tombstones. What’s your favorite spot to watch the … Read more
The festival of Barriletes Gigantes of Guatemala takes place in at least three villages of Sacatepequez: Santiago Sacatepequez, the original and most authentic location, Sumpango and Santa María Cauque. To me the most photogenic place is Santiago since the giant kites are flown over a Mayan graveyard. This festival is full of color and hundreds … Read more
I am still getting over a cold, so I was a bit hesitant to leave home for All Saints Day. However, since a friend reminded me to pick up some fiambre she saved for me, which tasted just like the one my Mom makes. So, anyway, I ended up doing a lot of driving just … Read more
The two most important towns that have giant kite flying on Todos los santos, All Saints’ Day and Día de los difuntos, Day of the Dead, are Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez. However, both days are celebrated throughout Guatemala by going to the cemetery to remember the dead, to take flowers, to clean and paint the … Read more
Colorful Guatemala, I tell you! It is quite common for businesses to decorate with colorful Guatemalan kites during October and November. Above, you can see the Guatemalan kite decorations at the entrance of Doña Luisa Xicotencatl. Below, the stairway to the second floor. Also, don’t forget that the first exposition of the Antigua Photo Club … Read more
Shoot! I forgot to mention I also recorded some videos. I am sorry, it looks like we have enough Día de los difuntos Día de Todos los Santos, Day of the Dead All Saints’ Day material for the entire week. Today you can appreciate the size of a kite and see how the kites are … Read more
What can I say, today was a day with lots of ups and downs. I am too tired tonight to give all the details; suffice it to say that our car broke down on the way to pick the fiambre (nothing major) and had to carry the fiambre and the car on a tow truck; … Read more
If you are planning to leave Guatemala before November 1, you will certainly miss the Giant Kites of Santiago and Sumpango. You won’t be able to see the kite runner in the cemeteries of Guatemala. However, if you are in La Antigua Guatemala, you can head over to Nim Pot to see some samples of … Read more
Here’s another quote taken from the article written by Ignacio Ochoa and published in Revue Magazine about the history of kite making in Santiago Sacatepéquez under the name of Messenges in the Wind. At 4 a.m. on November 2, everyone moves toward the cemetery with candles so the spirits can return to their celestial home. … Read more
Ignacio Ochoa has published a recent article about the history of kite making in Santiago Sacatepéquez under the name of Messenges in the Wind. Below the first paragraph of this wonderful article: On November 1 and 2, a powerful force stirs in all the towns of Guatemala. Traditional markets are filled with flowers of sempa … Read more