The Kites of Santiago in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala: A Communication with the Sky

Abstract

One of the most important celebrations for Christian worship is that of All Saints Day, which takes place every November 1st. Although within the Mexican culture we know a way of celebrating from a young age, in other Latin American countries the celebration is usually different in some aspects and connected to ours in other aspects. In this testimony we will address how the celebration is lived in two towns in Guatemala; Santiago and Sumpango, both in the department of Sacatepéquez. In addition to describing how this celebration is part of an ephemeral intangible heritage for this region. 

In both towns there is a popular festivity in which all the inhabitants participate in the creation of kites (huge colored disks, made of Chinese paper, with a great variety of colors and with light reed structures). The objective is to establish communication with the souls and their relatives. This activity is carried out in the context of the Campo Santo itself, where these giant kites are raised, covering the sky with colors, thus achieving a contrast with the blue of the sky and the sunlight.

These are two traditions, one in the context of its cemetery and communication of the relatives with the souls of the deceased and the other not in the same context, but both maintain a great participation and celebrations in their village.