If you’re in Antigua on November 1st and wondering what Guatemalans actually do on Day of the Dead — the answer isn’t what you’d expect. No sugar skulls. No face paint. No marigold altars like you’ve seen in Mexico.
How Does Guatemala Celebrate Day of the Dead?
In Guatemala, November 1st — Día de los Santos (All Saints’ Day) — is a national holiday. Families travel from across the country to visit the graves of their ancestors. Cemeteries come alive with color: marigolds, pine needles, candles, incense.
And in the highlands of Sacatepéquez, this tradition takes a form unlike anywhere else on earth: giant handmade kites, some stretching up to 22 meters across, built by local Maya communities and displayed above the cemetery as offerings to the dead.
What the Day Actually Looks Like
🪁 The kite exhibition
The enormous kites stand as exhibition pieces in the municipal soccer field beside the cemetery. Smaller kites (~4m) typically fly around 2:00 PM. Arrive early — the morning light and the assembly process are part of the experience.
🌼 The cemetery
Families decorate graves with marigolds, pine needles, and candles. The atmosphere is warm and intimate — a family gathering, not a performance. Walk through slowly and respectfully.
🍽️ The food
Vendors line the paths with atole de elote, chuchitos, elotes asados, pepián. Local family recipes unchanged for generations. Come hungry.
🎵 The marimba
Live marimba music plays throughout the day. It is the sound of Guatemala, and hearing it here — surrounded by all of this — is one of those travel moments that doesn’t need a filter.
Get There from Antigua: Transport with Cyman Travel
The roads to Sumpango on November 1st are a nightmare. A 20-minute drive can stretch to 90 minutes. Cyman Travel handles all of that.
Departure Times
| Departure from Antigua | Return (approx.) |
|---|
| 8:00 AM — Recommended | ~2:00 PM |
| 10:00 AM | ~4:00 PM |
Pricing
| Option | Price per Person |
|---|
| 🚌 Shared (collective) transport | $45 USD round trip |
| 🚐 Private transport | $70 USD round trip |
Transport only — your time at the festival is completely free.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — hours on uneven ground
- Layers — Sumpango is at ~1,800m; cool mornings, warm afternoons
- Sunscreen and a hat — highland sun is deceptively strong
- Cash in small bills (quetzales) — everything is cash only
- Fully charged phone or camera — you’ll take more photos than you planned
- Bag worn in front — standard precaution in any large crowd
Good to Know
The giant kites mostly don’t fly — and that’s fine
The largest kites are displayed as standing structures. Wind and size make full flights unpredictable. Go for the exhibition and atmosphere — anything airborne is a bonus.
Is this the same as Day of the Dead in Mexico?
Similar roots, completely different expression. Mexico’s Día de Muertos has face paint and elaborate altars. Guatemala’s version is quieter, more family-centered, and expressed through this centuries-old Maya kite tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book transport in advance?
Yes — especially for the 8:00 AM departure. Book at least a week before November 1st.
Is entry to the festival free?
Entry has been free in recent years. Bring cash for food and artisan crafts.
How long should I plan to spend there?
Three to four hours is comfortable. For both the morning exhibition and afternoon kite flight, plan a full day.
Is it good for kids?
One of the best family events in Guatemala. The kite scale, the food, and the marimba make a huge impression on children.
What if I'm traveling solo?
Shared transport is perfect — a great way to meet other visitors from Antigua. The festival is easy to navigate alone.
Reserve Your Spot for November 1st
Guatemala’s Day of the Dead doesn’t look like anything you’ve seen before. We’ll get you there and back — the rest is up to you.
November 1st, 2026 · Departing from Antigua · Limited spots available
