Sumpango Kite Festival, Guatemala

Sumpango Kite Festival

Sacatepéquez, Guatemala

Every year, in Sumpango, Sacatepéquez, a giant kite festival is held on the 31^st October and 1^st November (all Saints day). The festival is held in the villages cemetery, where Guatemalans flock to pay respect to the dead at this time of year.

Sumpango cemetery

 

At this time of year, Cemeteries across Guatemala are more colourful than ever, as relatives lovingly clean resting places of those that have left this earth, laying brightly coloured flowers and decorations, playing music, sharing stories and generally gathering.

 

Musicians

In Sumpango, kites were being flown across the cemetery, from smaller ones held by family members, to the gigantic 10 meter high beasts!

Kites at Sumpango

I expected to 'pop in' and check the kites out, and then be on my way. I arrived around lunch time, and the whole area just got busier and busier as the day went on....I just couldn't tear myself away!

The place filled up as the day went on...

There were food stalls, places selling beer, plenty of places renting out bathrooms, and plenty of opportunity to buy some great traditional souvenirs  at very reasonable prices.

Food and drink stalls

To get in, we hailed a few different chicken buses from Trebol, in Guatemala city, until we discovered one that was heading for Sumpango, paid a few quetzal and were on our way.

The crowd, craning to get a good look

Once there, you don’t have to worry about finding the cemetery as there are so many people heading that way (locals and tourists alike)

Preparing the kites to be flown

I had a really good, fun filled day. The atmosphere was a jovial, fun filled one, and although in the mountains, the sun was strong and so it wasn’t cold as I had expected.

Ready to go

If you are in Guatemala at this time of year, it is seriously worth a trip!An amazing free event that gives you a glimpse into the wonderful Guatemalan culture.