When it comes to experiencing a true cultural treasure, there’s nothing quite like attending the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala. Every year on November 1st, two small towns — Sumpango Guatemala and Santiago Sacatepéquez — become the heart of one of the most colorful and meaningful celebrations in the country. But if you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering: which festival is the better fit for you?
In this article, I’ll walk you through the differences between the two towns and their kite festivals. We’ll look at everything from the size and atmosphere to the style of the barriletes de Guatemala, so you can decide where to experience one of the most breathtaking Guatemalan festivals for yourself.
Having been to these festivals myself, I’ll share firsthand insights on what it’s really like standing among the giant kites, how each town’s celebration feels, and little tips that could make your visit even more memorable. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of a big crowd or the intimacy of a smaller setting, I’m excited to help you find the perfect place to see these incredible kites soar.
Sumpango Guatemala and Santiago Sacatepéquez: Two Towns, One Tradition
Every year on All Saints Day, the towns of Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez transform into living works of art. These are the only two places in Guatemala where you can experience the tradition of the barriletes gigantes — giant kites that honor ancestors, carry prayers into the sky, and celebrate the spirit of the Day of the Dead in Guatemala.
Although both towns share the same roots in this ancient Maya tradition, each has developed its own unique style and atmosphere over time. In Sumpango, the festival feels big, bold, and full of energy. In Santiago Sacatepéquez, the celebration is a little smaller and more intimate, taking place right inside the town’s cemetery among decorated graves.
Both festivals are a powerful reminder of how Guatemala’s past and present come together in the most colorful and emotional way — and choosing between them really depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Where to Find the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala: Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez
If you’re planning to experience the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala, you’ll need to head to one of two places: Sumpango or Santiago Sacatepéquez. Both towns are located in the department of Sacatepéquez, about 30–45 minutes outside of Antigua, and around an hour from Guatemala City depending on traffic.
Sumpango is the larger of the two towns and tends to host a bigger, more tourist-focused festival. The field where the kites are displayed is wide and open, with views of Volcán de Agua in the background — perfect for those hoping to take sweeping photos of the event.
Santiago Sacatepéquez, on the other hand, holds its festival inside the town cemetery. The setting is smaller and more intimate, with the barriletes de Guatemala rising between graves covered in flowers and candles for Day of the Dead Guatemala celebrations. The atmosphere here feels deeply personal, as families gather to honor their ancestors while admiring the kites. If you’re considering visiting Santiago’s kite festival be sure to check out my article: Guatemala’s Giant Kite Festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez: All You Need to Know Before You Go.
No matter which town you choose, you’ll find incredible craftsmanship, emotional connections, and a chance to be part of one of the most meaningful Guatemalan festivals. If you’re interested in learning more festivals near Antigua check out my article: Antigua Guatemala Festivals, Celebrations and Important Dates.
Kite Festival Size and Atmosphere: Sumpango vs. Santiago Sacatepéquez
One of the biggest differences between the two festivals is the size — and the overall feeling you get while you’re there.
Sumpango’s Giant Kite Festival is the larger of the two by far. The field fills up with thousands of people — locals, Guatemalans from all over the country, and visitors from around the world. There’s a real buzz in the air, almost like you’re at a big outdoor concert. You’ll hear music, announcements, cheers, and laughter as the barriletes de Guatemala are lifted one by one. It’s exciting, full of energy, and definitely designed to impress.
Santiago, on the other hand, offers a much more intimate experience. The festival takes place right inside the town’s cemetery, where the graves are decorated with flowers, and offerings for el Dia de Todos los Santos. Families gather to remember their loved ones, and the kites feel like part of the ceremony, not just a spectacle. The atmosphere is quieter, more emotional, and very personal. It’s less about the crowds and more about the connection.
Both festivals are beautiful in their own ways. If you’re looking for big energy, lots of vendors, and a wider range of kites to see, Sumpango might be the right choice. If you prefer a quieter, more reflective experience surrounded by history and tradition, you might fall in love with Santiago Sacatepéquez.
Barrilete Styles and Displays: What Makes Each Festival Unique
While the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala is all about celebrating tradition and memory, the way the barriletes de Guatemala are built and displayed can feel very different between Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez.
In Sumpango, the kites are typically larger, more elaborate, and designed for maximum visual impact. Many are round, but you’ll also see some creative shapes like animals, angels, and even social or political themes woven into the designs. The kites are mounted upright on huge bamboo frames in an open field, with plenty of space around them so you can admire their details — and they make an incredible backdrop for photos with the mountains behind.
In Santiago, you’ll still see large kites, but the cemetery setting changes how you experience them. The barriletes rise among the graves, sometimes just a few feet apart. This makes the artwork feel even more personal, almost as if each kite is standing watch over a family’s loved ones. Some of the designs here lean more traditional, featuring Maya symbolism, bright flowers, and prayers woven into the paper.
Both festivals feature stunning craftsmanship, but if you’re really passionate about seeing a wide range of designs — from bold modern messages to deeply spiritual artwork — Sumpango gives you a little more variety. That said, standing among the kites at Santiago Sacatepéquez, with candles flickering and flowers everywhere, is one of the most emotional and unforgettable parts of visiting Guatemala during the Day of the Dead season.
For a deeper dive into how these incredible kites are made, check out Barriletes de Guatemala: The History, Meaning, and Artistry of the Giant Kites.
Which Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala Is Right for You?
Deciding between Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez really comes down to what kind of experience you’re hoping to have at the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala.
If you love big celebrations, lots of movement, and the contagious energy that comes with being part of a huge crowd, Sumpango is a great fit. There’s more space to walk around, more kites to see at once, and a real sense of excitement in the air. It’s also a little easier for visitors who want amenities like food vendors, parking areas, and plenty of spots to grab that perfect photo.
On the other hand, if you’re drawn to something quieter, more personal, and deeply connected to the spirit of Day of the Dead Guatemala traditions, Santiago Sacatepéquez might be exactly what you’re looking for. The cemetery setting adds a layer of meaning that you can’t really put into words — you have to feel it. It’s perfect for travelers who value cultural authenticity, reflection, and a slower, more intimate experience.
Whichever town you choose, you’ll witness one of the most powerful and moving Guatemalan festivals. And honestly, if you have the time and flexibility, you might even consider seeing both — each offers something you won’t forget.
When to Arrive and What to Expect at the Kite Festivals in Guatemala
No matter whether you choose Sumpango or Santiago Sacatepéquez, timing is everything if you want to experience the best parts of the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala.
If you can, plan to arrive early — and I mean really early. Most locals and serious photographers show up at sunrise or just after. In Sumpango, getting there early means you can watch the teams finish assembling the barriletes de Guatemala right in the open fields. It’s amazing to see the final touches being made before the kites are lifted into place. Plus, you’ll get great photos before the biggest crowds roll in.
In Santiago Sacatepéquez, arriving early lets you move through the cemetery more easily and take your time admiring the kites without being rushed or overwhelmed by people. It’s a quieter moment to soak in the emotion and connection before the day gets busier.
As the morning moves on, the fields and cemetery fill up fast. By mid-morning, expect big crowds, music, and lots of excitement. Food vendors set up early too, so you can grab a tamale, an elote (grilled corn), or even a cup of sweet atole while you walk around.
If you want even more tips on how to plan your visit, I’ve shared a full guide here: Giant Kite Festival Guatemala: Insider Tips for Experiencing Sumpango’s Barriletes Gigantes.
Can You Visit Both Giant Kite Festivals in One Day?
Technically, yes — it’s possible to visit both Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez during the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala. The towns are only about a 20-minute drive apart, depending on traffic. But whether you should try to see both in one day is another story.
Both festivals really shine in the early morning hours, and that’s when you’ll catch the most special moments — like watching the teams raise the barriletes de Guatemala and seeing families and kite teams gather together. By late morning, traffic between the towns can get heavy, and it’s easy to spend more time stuck on the road than actually enjoying the kites.
If you really want to experience the heart of these celebrations, it’s usually better to pick one town and stay there for the day. You’ll have more time to take it all in, meet locals, eat traditional foods, and truly connect with the spirit of the festival.
But if you’re determined to see both, plan to arrive very early at your first stop, stay a few hours, and move to the second before the roads get too crowded. Just be prepared for a bit of chaos — part of the fun, and the challenge, of these unforgettable Guatemalan festivals!
Experiencing the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala
Whether you find yourself standing in a wide open field in Sumpango or walking through the colorful cemetery of Santiago Sacatepéquez, seeing the barriletes de Guatemala in person is an experience you’ll never forget. Each kite tells a story — about family, hope, resilience, and the deep roots of Guatemalan culture.
Choosing between the two festivals really depends on what speaks to you more. If you love big crowds, lots of energy, and dramatic displays, Sumpango will leave you amazed. If you’re looking for something quieter, more intimate, and deeply emotional, Santiago Sacatepéquez offers a truly special way to honor the spirit of the Day of the Dead Guatemala traditions.
Either way, you’ll be part of one of the most breathtaking Guatemalan festivals, surrounded by history, art, and community. If you are interested in other ways in which the Day of the Dead is celebrated be sure to check out the rich traditions of Day of the Dead Celebrations Across Latin America.
Whichever town you choose, the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala is one of those rare experiences that stays with you — a reminder of how colorful, heartfelt, and beautiful traditions can be when they’re kept alive by the people who love them most.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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