The most beautiful and meaningful kites win, and are then they're flown (and destroyed) that same day. The smaller kites that children and families build for their loved ones, are flown to help guide their relatives down to them on earth. From the last day of October to the second day of November, the spirits of the dead are said to be able to visit us.
The kites guide them to earth, where they can pass guidance and advice to their children and grandchildren. Then, the kites help them back to Heaven, where they wait patiently until next year.
Guatemalans are very connected to their families. Familial bonds are very important, often an entire family will live in the same house! If not, they usually stay in the same town; brothers and sisters in neighboring houses, close to their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles! Because of this, when someone dies, honoring and remembering them is very important. That's why there is a special holiday every year to celebrate your ancestors.
There are many traditions associated with Día de Todos los Santos. Many Guatemalans build and fly kites, make ofrendas (offerings), eat Fiambre (a salad made of lettuce, eggs and lunch meat), go to the cemetary and decorate the graves of their relatives, and go to larger festivals; like the giant kite festival in Sumpongo, Sacatepequez.
Fundamentally, people celebrate this holiday to honor and remember their deceased relatives. They believe that the living on the earth can connect with the dead in Heaven by flying kites.
