Kites On Sale

The Guatemalan word for kite is barrilete. Papalote is the most often heard word in Spanish for kite, but in Guatemala barrilete is what people use. The kites on sale at this convenience store or tienda are Q2/$.25. The kite that the little boy was holding yesterday was bought from this store.

Kites have a very special meaning for many Guatemalans, especially the indigenous. Kites and Giant kites are used to help guide the dead ones back to their love ones and to the cemeteries where they are remembered. Giant kites are flown over the cemeteries of Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez. If you can read Spanish you can browse this photographic tour of the giant kites. Giant kites are flown on November 1st and 2nd; so if you are around, grab your camera and backpack and head up to one of those towns.

Here’s a summary of what you can expect for this celebration:

On November 1st and 2nd Guatemala, like many other catholic countries, celebrates the Day of the Dead (Dí­a de los Difuntos) and the All Saints Day (Dí­a de los Santos). The cemeteries, from the most exclusive to the most modest and humble, become overwhelmed with people bringing flowers, crosses, food and even music (sometimes Mariachi music) to their dead relatives…

Fiambre, a salad made from cold cuts, all kinds of meats, fish, vegetables and pickled vegetables, is served on November 1st, after a visit to the cemetery. Fiambre is a cold meal of Spanish origin, possibly from the Extremadura provinces in Spain. Fiambre is a very special meal for Guatemalans and it is only available on November 1st and 2nd. Because fiambre is an extremely rare and unique meal which can include over 50 ingredients, I decided to show you the final part of the preparation through a slide show.

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