About Los Barriletes Gigantes

Many people in the United States have heard or have some familiarity with Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a time when spirits of the dearly departed wander the Earth once more. The general images we associate with Día de los Muertos are the symbols from Mexico’s celebrations, such as calaveras, calacas, and sugar skulls, but different regions in Latin America. In Guatemala one of the ways the citizens celebrate Día de los Muertos in the cities of Santiago and Sumpango is by flying los barriletes gigantes, or giant kites.

 The first recorded history of los barriletes gigantes was in the 16^th century by Franciscan monks, who wrote that smaller kites were flown during October and November. This tradition has grown, both literally and figuratively; some kites are as large as 16 km, or 52 ft. They are constructed from bamboo or cane, glue, and tissue paper. The patterns and designs are generally very colorful, and sometimes have political or religious messages. Often times the larger kites are for display only, but the smaller kites, (if you call 3 km, 10 ft, small,) are flown on the hills besides or in the cemetery. Often times there are prizes awarded, for honor, not cash.

Check out this video to see the los barriletes gigantes take flight