Day of the Dead
Celebrated from the 31st of October to the 1st of November
The Day of the Dead was introduced to Mexico during the Spanish conquest. Although not related to the ancient Maya, both Maya past and present honour their dead in particular ways, and a similar celebration is seen today in Yucatan, as Hanal Pixan, and in Guatemala, great kites are flown.
On November 1st tombs are cleaned and decorated with flowers, candles and food by families.
The Day of the Dead is celebrated in different ways in Guatemala, one being kite-flying (barriletes) in Santiago Sacatépequez. These great kites take months to prepare and consist of pieces of bamboo with paper and other decorations affixed to them. As shown in the picture, many have Maya designs or express cultural or political issues. These kites are flown to aid in guiding the spirits to their families and then they are burnt at the end of the day.
Why don’t you have your class make their own?
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