Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Day of the Dead Kite Festival

Every first of November crowds gather in Santiago Sacatepéquez in Guatemala for the annual flying of gynormous barriletes (kites).

I'm not sure about the exact significance, but as the festival takes place on All Souls Day when most Guatemalans have the day off in order to visit their dearly departed, I think it safe to assume that it has something to do with communion with the dead and solace for the living. It is nevertheless a Maya tradition and may pre-date the arrival of the Spanish and their crucified God.

Buried Mirror
has some nice footage of last year's event. Scott was there, and was much impressed with the outfits worn by the three Reinas you can see in the second clip.

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