Who would have thought flying a kite could bring so much joy?
Attending to the Santiago Sacatepequez and Sumpango Kite Festivals on November 1st, All Saints Day, in Guatemala was fun, but becoming involved added a completely different element! Mahana had the excellent idea of buying a kite. At first, we tried to run with the kite, hoping it would take sail; success was not in our reach using this method. However, once we took a step back to understand the technique being used by those whose kites were soaring, success was more easily generated. Ben noticed many of the kites had a tail, which ours did not; he found a piece of plastic and tied it to the kite we had. This insight helped our kite soar! Once we understood the importance of letting the wind do the work, the fun began.
After a while of enjoying the fruits of our labor, we gifted a child the kite we were using, we watched several large kites which were constructed onsite get lifted and set up for display. A team effort was required to get a kite which was lying face down to an upright position, due to size. Watching the teams delicately construct the kite, then use strength to get the kite standing up showed the versatility teamwork can provide.
Between kites being put on display, there were several large kites which floated high in the sky. Each kite, big and small had it’s own unique colorful presentation which added to the livelihood of the kite festival.
“The story of how this festival got started is similar to that of Halloween. According to residents, spirits came out on November 1st to annoy and bother Sumpango’s residents. Exasperated, they asked a witch doctor what they should to do to scare away these spirits. The witch doctor suggested they take big pieces of paper, let them fly in the wind and make lots of noise. Eventually, somebody figured out that kites were a more efficient spirit-scaring device. And thus, a tradition was born, one which has been recorded as occurring as far back as the 1940’s… Messages asking spirits to leave residents alone have been replaced by messages preaching love, peace, and understanding. “ Rich Polanco, Sumpango Giant Kite Festival – Barriletes Gigantes De Guatemala
Being surrounded by local people who were taking part in the festivities drove home the importance of the festival. From what is understood, the kites now represent the souls of loved ones who have passed, what a beautiful way to celebrate their lives!
– article and photos submitted by Zachary Henderson