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Day of the Dead is one of the most important Guatemalan holidays. Across many Latin American countries, el Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. But the Day of the Dead traditions in Guatemala are unique and very different from those in Mexico. In Guatemala, the celebration happens mostly on November 1st, Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day). Guatemalan traditions for this day include visiting loved ones who have passed, decorating graves, and eating fiambre. Small towns commemorate the day with festivals and even horse races. And one of the most spectacular traditions of all is the giant kite festival, where townspeople build barriletes measuring up to 40 feet across.
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All Saints Day in Guatemala
On November 1st, Guatemala celebrates All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos Los Santos). You might know it as the Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos. The Day of the Dead traditions in Guatemala are a joyful celebration full of life and color. It is when Guatemalans honor their loved ones through food, ancestral rituals, and unique cultural events.
I remember going to the graveyard with my Abuela to visit family members that passed away. She used to tell me stories and legends about Día de Los Muertos. Chapines believe that the souls of the departed return to check up on their families and spend time with them. Grandma taught me that it was not a scary day at all. Instead, it is a celebration of life and love, surrounded by fantastic food and traditions.
What is Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead?
The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos in Spanish) takes place on November 1st and 2nd. It is rooted in ancient indigenous traditions practiced throughout Central America, and today it blends elements of Mayan and Aztec cultures with Catholicism. Known in Guatemala as All Saints’ Day, it is truly a time to celebrate life, not to mourn or fear. Starting on October 31st, families prepare to honor the deceased, getting flowers and food ready for the next day.
On November 1st and 2nd — All Souls’ Day, Día de los Fieles Difuntos — people bring offerings of flowers and food to the graves. Families gather to enjoy Guatemalan foods like fiambre, and some serenade their departed with mariachis or marimba to honor their memory.
History of the Day of the Dead in Guatemala
Every culture has its way of paying respect to the dead. Across Mesoamerica, the whole month of November was dedicated to the souls, with festivals held in both pre-Hispanic and Hispanic times. The Maya created rituals to contemplate death, believing there was another life beyond this one.
Blending Mayan and Spanish Beliefs
Día de Todos los Santos is deeply rooted in tradition. Historians believe it began as a Mayan celebration of death and ancestors; in Mayan culture, many symbols are tied to the worship of death, as they believed the cosmic order depended on the balance between life and death.
With the arrival of the Spanish, the festivity absorbed Christian elements and settled on November 1st, which corresponds to the Christian day of All Saints, or Día de Todos los Santos. And while Mexico is the country most associated with Day of the Dead, many Latin American countries celebrate Día de los Muertos with their own unique rituals.
Celebrating the Four Elements
Guatemalans honor the four elements in many traditions for the Day of the Dead. Therefore, these four elements are usually present at these celebrations. For example, families build beautiful altars at home or at their loved ones’ graves.
Fire, Water, Earth, and Air
Guatemalans honor the four elements in many Day of the Dead traditions. Burning candles at the cemetery or on home altars as part of their ofrendas (offerings) stands for fire, a way to guide the dead among the living. Marigolds and papel picado (paper with cut-out shapes) represent wind and decorate both graves and kites.
Traditional Guatemalan dishes and drinks represent water and earth; many believe their aromas can invoke the spirits, enticing them to join the family at the table. It is common to see families gathered around the graves with food baskets while children run past with kites. And beautifully decorated gravestones to honor the dead are a sight you shouldn’t skip!
How Do Guatemalans Celebrate Day of the Dead?
There are so many traditions attached to this spirit-filled celebration, from feasting on traditional Guatemalan food to watching giant kites fill the sky. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, mark your calendar for November. Be part of the special holidays and colorful festivals; I promise it will be an experience of a lifetime!
Visiting the Cemetery on Día de Todos los Santos
One of the most cherished traditions is going to the graveyard. Families begin on October 31st, cleaning and painting tombs and mausoleums. Then, on November 1st, people wear their best clothes and spend the day decorating the graves with flowers and candles.
You will see living relatives celebrating the dead, offering the deceased their favorite foods and drinks. Some are even playing marimba to avoid “angering the dead”. It is a stunning sight, full of color, music, and families sharing picnics beside the tombstones.
The Guatemala Giant Kite Festival
In Santiago and Sumpango, Sacatepéquez, the giant kite festival is one of the most important and best-known Day of the Dead celebrations in the country. Held on November 1st, it draws thousands of visitors from around the world. These barriletes (kites) serve as a symbolic connection to the dead, helping guide the returning spirits to their loved ones.
What sets the festival apart is the sheer size: local communities spend all year building these works of art, some over 40 feet across, handmade from tissue paper and bamboo. For the full story, see the history and art behind Guatemala’s giant kites.
The Meaning Behind the Guatemalan Giant Kites
Launching the kites is more than filling the sky with color. They are considered a means of communication between the living and the dead. Once the celebrations end, locals burn the kites so the souls of the departed can return to their peaceful rest until the next year.
You will find hundreds of vendors offering all sorts of street foods and handmade crafts. You can even buy a smaller kite to fly at the festival and honor a loved one. This wonderful Guatemalan tradition of commemorating the dead is one you must add to your bucket list!
Where to See the Giant Kite Festival
The giant kite festival takes place on November 1st, mainly in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, both in the department of Sacatepéquez, about an hour from Guatemala City and close to Antigua. A few other towns have started celebrating the tradition, too.
How to Get There?
To get there, take the Carretera Interamericana/Pan-American Highway (CA-1) until the 45.2 km mark. Arrive early: the fields fill up fast, and the largest kites go up before the afternoon wind turns unpredictable.
La Carrera de Cintas: The Horse Race of Todos Santos Cuchumatán
One of the most unusual traditions of All Saints’ Day is the Carrera de Cintas (or Corrida de Cintas) in Todos Santos Cuchumatán, a small Mam Maya town in the western highlands. The festival ends in a drunken horse race called Skach Koyl, or “Race of Souls.”
Most historians trace it back to the 1500s, though residents say it began when 13 Mayan riders rode for miles to reach a nearby town in time for the November 1st funeral of a holy man. After colonization, the race survived as a symbol of indigenous strength against the Spanish conquerors.
A Horse Race Full of Tradition
The race runs along the dirt road from the town to the cemetery. Riders prepare for days: the all-male jockeys spend October 31st awake and drinking. The next morning, Día de Todos los Santos, they dress in colorful traditional outfits with feathers and unique jackets trimmed with embroidered collars and cuffs.
Then the inebriated jockeys stagger to their horses to compete in a 100-meter race that lasts most of the day, and whoever is still standing wins. According to tradition, a rider must race for four consecutive years or bad luck will follow, and in the final year, he eats a whole chicken to mark the end of his obligation.
A Day of the Dead Race Worth Watching
Spectators crowd against the wooden railings, neither cheering nor clapping, out of respect. Families pay their respects to loved ones amid marimba music and garlands, and street vendors sell Guatemalan food and crafts. If you are in the area, bring your camera: this is a rite-of-passage race unlike anything else you’ve ever seen!
How to Get There?
Todos Santos Cuchumatán is in the department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. It’s a little over 300 km (187 miles) via the Pan-American Highway (CA-1). It’s about a seven-hour drive, so it is best to arrive the day before and stay in Huehuetenango city; from there, it is roughly a 45-minute drive to the town.
Lesser-Known Day of the Dead Traditions in Guatemala
While the giant kites and the Carrera de Cintas are the most famous, other Guatemalan towns celebrate All Saints’ Day in their own striking ways. Some lesser-known traditions include a procession carrying human skulls, hollowed squash lit with candles placed on graves, and sleeping in the cemetery beside loved ones on the night of October 31st.
The “Santa Calavera” Skull Procession in San José, Petén
In San José, Petén, the Santa Calavera procession takes place on November 1st. Three human skulls are carried to people’s homes, where families receive them with flowers and black wax candles. The procession begins with a mass at the church, and the skulls are believed to be holy and capable of granting miracles to those who pray to them before being returned to the church.
The tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic times, since the conquest did not reach Petén until the early 18th century. The skulls are believed to belong to prominent Xamanes (shamans) or Mayan priests of the Itzá community.
The Carved Squash Skulls of Salcajá, Quetzaltenango
In the town of Salcajá, Quetzaltenango, illuminated carved squash resembling skulls, called luminarias, adorn the cemetery. On November 1st, villagers hollow out chilacayotes and squash, place a candle inside, and carry them to the graves. At 6 p.m., they carry the pumpkins through the streets, knocking on doors and saying “Una candelita para las ánimas benditas” (A small candle for the blessed souls).
At the end of the night, residents gather the candles in the middle of the cemetery and raise a prayer for the departed. This celebration is unrelated to Halloween, though the carved designs on the chayotes and squashes now seem influenced by it.
Los Emponchados de Santiago Sacatepéquez
In Santiago Sacatepéquez, the emponchados custom is still practiced. The name is linked to poncho, the Spanish word for blanket. High in the mountains, Santiago Sacatepéquez can become cold and windy after sunset, so families traditionally bundled up in thick wool blankets to keep warm.
People go to the cemetery on the night of October 31st, sleep beside the graves of their loved ones, and wake there on November 1st to eat and “share a meal” with those who have passed. The belief is that from midnight on October 31st, evil spirits arrive to disturb the deceased, so relatives come to protect the graves.
Celebrating Guatemala’s Traditional Day of the Dead at Home
To make your Day of the Dead celebration even more special, there are several meaningful activities you can enjoy as a family. These activities not only honor Guatemala’s traditions but also create lasting memories that bring everyone together in celebration and reflection.
- Recreate the Carrera de Cintas (Race of Souls): We set up a fun race using ribbons or colorful streamers to mimic the cintas (ribbons) the horse riders traditionally race to grab. You can also have participants race on foot or on bicycles. To make the at-home race feel like a real event, you can even reward the winners with custom medals. The design inspiration for our custom medals comes from the rich elements of Mayan culture. The front of the medal is engraved with a pattern of mythical beasts that symbolize Mayan power and courage; the back of the medal is engraved with the year of the event and the words “Skach Koyl”, recording the unique mark of each competition.
- Make and fly kites (inspired by the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala): Gather your family to create colorful kites using tissue paper and bamboo, just like the ones seen during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Once completed, take them outside and fly them together to honor the connection between the living and the spirits of the departed.
- Prepare traditional Guatemalan foods: Finally, a great way to embrace the Day of the Dead traditions is by preparing traditional Guatemalan foods like pan de muerto, fiambre, or tamales. Cooking together as a family offers a chance to learn about the culture while enjoying delicious meals. Sharing these foods honors the holiday and brings everyone together to celebrate life, love, and memories of those who have passed.
Guatemalan Food Traditions for Day of The Dead
In Guatemala, traditions and food go hand in hand. Like most Guatemalan families, mine gathers on this day to feast, and the table is always anchored around fiambre, a cold salad of more than 50 ingredients made only once a year.
A special pan de muerto starts appearing in bakeries only in the days leading up to the holiday. Sweet dishes cooked in panela syrup, like ayote en miel and jocotes en miel, as well as the popular Guatemalan molletes, are one of the most iconic Todos los Santos desserts.
The food at Día de los Muertos is a whole story in itself, from the many layers of fiambre to sweets and breads prepared only once a year. Explore what Guatemalans eat on Day of the Dead and why these dishes mean so much to the families who make them.
What Travelers Ask About Guatemalan Day of the Dead
How is Guatemala’s Day of the Dead different from Mexico’s?
Guatemala centers the day on giant kites, cemetery gatherings, and fiambre rather than home altars and sugar skulls, and the main celebration is November 1st rather than spread across both days. Same reverence for the dead, a very different way of showing it.
Can tourists attend the giant kite festivals?
Yes! The festivals in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez are public and welcome visitors. There is usually a small entrance fee, food vendors, and space to walk among the kites. Go early, wear sun protection, and expect crowds and slow traffic on the way out.
Is it respectful for visitors to go to the cemeteries on Day of the Dead?
Yes, as long as you are respectful and considerate. Families welcome the day’s shared, public nature, but you are a guest at a personal moment. Ask before photographing people or graves, keep a quiet distance during prayers, and never step on or over the tombs.
What should I bring to a Day of the Dead celebration in Guatemala?
Comfortable shoes for uneven cemetery ground, sun protection for the kite fields, and cash for food and craft vendors. There is no dress code, but locals dress nicely out of respect, so skip beachwear.
See Day of the Dead in Guatemala for Yourself
Day of the Dead is one of the best times of year to see Guatemala at its most alive. If you want to stand in a field in Sumpango when the giant kites go up or watch a cemetery fill with color and marimba on November 1st, the timing and logistics matter, and the towns get crowded fast. I plan custom Guatemala trips, and if you tell me you wish to experience Day of the Dead here, I will build the route around the kites, the food, and the places most visitors never find.
Other Guatemalan Traditions You’ll Love
Across Latin America, honoring the dead is only one of many celebrations that shape our culture, food, and family life. After spending years between the US and my home country, the customs I carry with me have become a blend of old and new. These Guatemalan holiday traditions are worth knowing, whether you’re planning a trip or looking for meaningful ways to honor your Latino roots.
Semana Santa in Guatemala
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is taken seriously here, with massive wooden floats bearing statues of Christ carried through the streets. As part of Guatemalan tradition, families cover the pathways with intricate sawdust carpets and prepare special foods made just for the season.
The dates change each year, but Semana Santa usually falls in March or April, with processions running from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Antigua Guatemala hosts the country’s best-known celebrations, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, when crowds gather before sunrise along streets covered in colorful alfombras. Hotels fill up quickly, so travelers hoping to experience Holy Week in Antigua should book several months in advance.
Guatemala Independence Day
On September 15th, Guatemala celebrates its independence from Spain in 1821, which also marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month in the US. It is a day of food, music, and pride in Latino culture.
For example, at our home, we honor our Latino roots through food and making fun crafts with the kids. What’s more, it is the best time to show how proud we are of our culture, which is full of passion, warmth, and the best grub!
La Quema del Diablo
On December 7th, Guatemalans burn an effigy of the devil, typically a piñata, in a bonfire, clearing out the old and unwanted to make way for the Christmas season.
Meanwhile, most people set off fireworks, sometimes throwing them into the bonfire. Along with the devil, people usually burn rubbish, paper, and other old things. They believed the devil could lurk in places full of old and unwanted items.
Christmas Traditions in Guatemala
Are you wondering what Christmas is like in Guatemala? They begin weeks before Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), when homes and churches create elaborate nacimientos. These Nativity scenes often include miniature villages, mountains, animals, moss, and colored sawdust. Many families wait until Christmas Eve to place the baby Jesus in the manger before gathering for tamales and midnight fireworks.
Las posadas navideñas take place during the nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve. Participants carry images of Mary and Joseph from house to house, reenacting their search for shelter through songs and prayers. Each evening ends when one family welcomes the procession with traditional food and warm drinks. The holiday season is truly a magical time of year!
El Día De Reyes
Sharing El Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) with my kids has become a special way to keep this January 6th tradition alive in our family. The holiday remembers the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to baby Jesus, and children traditionally leave out their shoes the night before in hopes of finding a small surprise in the morning.
A Rosca de Reyes bun is the sweet centerpiece of the celebration. This ring-shaped bread resembles a crown, with colorful candied fruit arranged like jewels across the top. A small figurine of baby Jesus is often hidden inside, making every slice part of the tradition.
How Will You Honor the Day?
I hope these traditions bring you a little closer to someone you have lost. Whether you host a Día de Todos los Santos with Guatemalan food, hold a kite-making competition with your kids, or just share stories about your ancestors, this holiday is not about sadness. It is a way of honoring the dead by celebrating life. If your family has its own way of marking the day, tell me about it in the comments. Ultimately, these Guatemalan traditions will help you and your kids embrace the Day of the Dead as a family.
Through her writing, Paula helps travelers discover Guatemala beyond the typical tourist route with practical advice, local recommendations, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with the country’s people, culture, and traditions.
Planning a trip to Guatemala? Paula offers personalized Guatemala itinerary planning and trip consultation services tailored to your interests, travel style, and budget. Contact her at [email protected] to learn more.
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All Saints Day is a beautiful Guatemalan holiday! I didn’t know about some unique traditions, so thank you very much for sharing Guatemala’s rich culture!