The Giant Kites of Sumpango
Day of the Dead Maya Guatemala Cultural Tour
October 29 - November 7 2023
10 days -- $2,075 (inclusive)
INSPIRATION, BEAUTY, CULTURE, CONNECTION & FUN
"The Day of the Dead-tour with Louise was the highlight of our stay in Guatemala. The fact that the tour visits Sumpango for 3 days makes it posible to totally experience this tradition. Not just being a spectator, but being a part of it. Understanding the tradition, knowing the amount of logistics and work involved in constructing a giant kite, seeing the villagers walking up towards the festival. It was a splendid tour that we strongly recommend to you to experience too."
Judit & Chris, Holland
Judit & Chris, Holland
The tradition of flying Giant Kites to honor Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is practiced in only two Kachiquel Maya pueblos in Guatemala. In Sumpango, The Festival of los Barriletes Gigantes on Nov. 1 is the culmination of months of work by over 600 residents who come together every night and every weekend for over four months to create remarkable kites which will be seen only on this day. Even up close it is hard to imagine that they are not paintings but rather are made entirely from colored tissue paper. Tradition in Sumpango says that the kites both keep away evil spirits and carry messages to the ancestors. Increasingly the kites also carry messages of peace meant for the world
With master Sumpango kitemaker Julio Asturias and experienced guide Louise Wisechild, The Day of the Dead Maya Cultural Tour takes you behind the scenes of both the Giant Kites and the other traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead in Sumpango. The creative accomplishment of these kites and the excitement of their flying are only one of the many highpoints of this tour.
From colonial Antigua to the Maya pueblos rich with art and tradition around Lake Atitlan, this tour explores the rich cultures of Maya Guatemala and facilitates cultural exchange. Workshops with local people are an exciting part of BFGT's programs. On this tour, participants make chocolates, constuct and fly a traditional Guatemalan kite, concoct herbal shamboo and cook up a Guatemalan dinner. Chocolate making, exquisite museums, beautiful murals, memorable meals, kites you have to see to believe, incredible views, laughter, learning, and new friends. This tour will live with you forever and renew your spirit!
With master Sumpango kitemaker Julio Asturias and experienced guide Louise Wisechild, The Day of the Dead Maya Cultural Tour takes you behind the scenes of both the Giant Kites and the other traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead in Sumpango. The creative accomplishment of these kites and the excitement of their flying are only one of the many highpoints of this tour.
From colonial Antigua to the Maya pueblos rich with art and tradition around Lake Atitlan, this tour explores the rich cultures of Maya Guatemala and facilitates cultural exchange. Workshops with local people are an exciting part of BFGT's programs. On this tour, participants make chocolates, constuct and fly a traditional Guatemalan kite, concoct herbal shamboo and cook up a Guatemalan dinner. Chocolate making, exquisite museums, beautiful murals, memorable meals, kites you have to see to believe, incredible views, laughter, learning, and new friends. This tour will live with you forever and renew your spirit!
"Actually, the time spent in Sumpango was nothing less than a steady stream of 'WOW's, including being able to witness the finishing touches by a team of boys piecing together the segments of a GIANT kite that filled the entire floor of a gymnasium, and the next day watching them hoist it up to the height of 6 stories. The artistry and skill and messages demonstrated in these kites can take your breath away. To me it ranked as one of the selected Wonders of the World. . . . more
~ D'vorah Kost, USA |
"The Giant Kites of Sumpango and Day of the Dead Maya Cultural Tour was a highlight trip for me. The tour included three major activities: colonial Antigua, the Day of the Dead celebration and the Giant Kites of Sumpango and the villages of Lake Atitlan. Those are the listed highlights, the tour includes so much more of the life experience that it would be hard to say which I loved the most. Was it the food, the people, the music, the art, the laughter shared by the group? I can’t say. I highly recommend this tour. The guide Luisa lives in San Pedro and her connections with the area and people creates a special experience, she is articulate and thoughtful, and always open to adventure." Leeann Jorgensen, USA
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Read last years tour itinerary here!

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