Kites + Tomb
In Santiago, a small town just outside Antigua Guatemala, a tradition that has lasted over 120 years has taken place in a cemetery. All Saints Day meshed with Mayan tradition has formed a wonderful Festival in which surrounding communities build large kites to celebrate those who have passed. The kites which measure as large as 50 feet in diameter are constructed over a 6 month period and display wonderful imagery of Mayan traditional patterns, and historical meaning. The idea of the kites is that they create a portal in which you can communicate with higher powers and those who have died. Many other smaller kites are flown on this day and the tombs of the cemetery are covered with orange flowers and pine needles.
Pescado
Woman and Child
The festival draws up to 1 million people from around Guatemala and with it comes many traditional dishes of corn and fimbre, as well as classic blankets and clothing hand woven by the local people. The cemetery becomes the actual places in which the kites are flown, with 1,000’s of families running and playing trying to fly them. It was an amazing experience and beautiful landscape of farmland and hills set in the highlands. These pics are just a few moments of this great celebration.
The Grand Kites
Flying the Kites
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