Guatemala as the same as Mexico, we celebrate the Day of the Dead… According to the history, the twilight of 31 October the spirits come in order to find their body and to look for their loved ones. But, wait, this is not a scary history, actually this is a tradition of hope for a lot of people because in November 1 many people think this is the only day we can meet or reunion with all those who have been dying during the year. So, instead of being scary, this is a party to welcome the spirits and soul of those loved ones, honoring them with festivities, food, music, colorful cemetery, kite and much more family activities.
The first thing Guatemalans do before November 1 is painting all the cementers around the country, family or friends go to the grave of their loved ones to painting them with different colors. This is marvelous!!
In November 1, all cementers are painted and ready for the celebration or welcomed to the soul. Since early in the morning, families go to the cemetery with flowers, many people bring food, the favorite food of the dead to eat around the grave in the commentary, some people like to ply music, Mariachi music to the dead.
Really, this is like a festivity with respect to the dead.
There is two special things during the day.
One is flying kite and the second one is about food “Fiambre” an amazing salad!
I´m going to start with the kite, this is like a ritual, year by year. All around the country people make and fly their own kite, especially in the cemetery. According to the history, the kite helps the spirits to find the right path to rest in peace if people do not do it, they think the spirit is going to be stuck in earth and will suffer all year.
Sumpango is a specific place in Guatemala where this tradition is becoming a big competition.
Sumpango is the only place where you can find a biggest kites, maybe in the world, during 300 year, year by year, Sumpango shows its kites (Barriletes) and this ones are worked by months before the presentation and this kites can be biggest than 20 meters in diameter. This kite is the only connection during 24 hours people can have with dead people and this is the reason the respect to this tradition.
The second Special thing this day is the food. Fiambre is a kind of salad, this salad is possible to eat only in November 1, to celebrate “Día de los santos o los muertos” This recipe can be made by 50 ingredients or more, made by vegetables, meat, chicken, fish, pork meat, different kind of sausages. Maybe sounds like strange but is a delicious non vegetarian salad!
When you will be here we are going to enjoy it and for sure you will enjoy it!
I can you give you many more reasons to travel to Guatemala but I suggest you contact Travel & Health Guatemala to find out more.
We organize everything and will be with you throughout your adventure in order to make sure you have the best time possible. Transportation, accommodation, Guatemalan food, Spanish, activities for children, trips for their parents and a baby-sitter if you need it.
What are you waiting for?
Guatemala and T&H Guatemala are waiting for you….
