How is All Saints’ Day celebrated in Guatemala?

In Guatemala, All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1, is marked by unique cultural and religious traditions that honor the deceased.1

Key celebrations include:

• Giant Kite Festival: In the towns of Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, residents craft and fly massive, intricately designed kites. These barriletes serve as messages to the spirits of the dead, with smaller kites launched to carry prayers and larger ones displayed to ward off evil spirits. This tradition is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.2
• Traditional Cuisine: A centerpiece of the holiday is fiambre, a complex cold salad made from meats, fish, cheeses, and vegetables. Often featuring dozens of ingredients, it is prepared as a labor of love by families and shared at home or in cemeteries.13
• Regional Observances: Beyond kite flying, other regions have distinct customs. For example, the town of Todos Santos Cuchumatán hosts traditional horse races and dancing to commemorate the day.1

These practices reflect a blend of Indigenous and colonial influences, emphasizing community, remembrance, and the connection between the living and the dead.213