Crafting Guatemalan Kites for Dia de los Muertos

Jessica Sandberg shares her experience with Dia de los Muertos in Guatemala, focusing on the cultural significance of kites. She explains how kites connect with ancestors and protect from evil spirits. The video details the giant kite festivals in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, where communities create large kites with political or traditional themes. Jessica describes the four elements—earth, wind, fire, and water—integrated into the celebrations and kite-making. She provides a step-by-step guide to constructing and decorating a kite, emphasizing the use of triangles and circles in designs, and concludes with instructions on how to fly the kite, encouraging viewers to connect with their ancestors through this tradition.

What is the primary purpose of flying kites during Dia de los Muertos in Guatemala?

• To celebrate the harvest season

• To entertain children

• To mark the beginning of the rainy season

• To connect with loved ones who have passed away

What are the giant kites in Guatemala believed to do?

• Predict the weather

• Scare away evil spirits

• Bring good luck for the coming year

• Celebrate the end of the year

Where are the two main kite festivals held in Guatemala?

• Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez

• Antigua and Guatemala City

• Flores and Quetzaltenango

• Chichicastenango and Cobán

Which element is represented by the candles on the altars?

• Fire

• Wind

• Water

• Earth

What material is commonly used to make the frame of the kites in Guatemala?

• Plastic

• Wood

• Metal

• Bamboo

How many bamboo sticks are typically used to create the kite frame in Guatemala?

• Three

• Four

• Two

• Five

What shapes are commonly used in the design of Guatemalan kites?

• Hearts and diamonds

• Stars and moons

• Triangles and circles

• Squares and rectangles

What is the purpose of the fringe on the kite?

• To add decoration

• To stabilize the kite

• To make it fly higher

• To add weight

What is the final step in preparing the kite for flying?

• Attaching the string

• Decorating the kite

• Adding the fringe

• Cutting the tissue paper

What is the cultural significance of flying kites on Dia de los Muertos?

• To mark the end of the year

• To connect with ancestors

• To entertain children

• To celebrate the harvest