PH
In parts of Guatemala, enormous handmade kites are created for All Saints' Day traditions.
The kites can be remarkably large and are decorated with intricate designs.
They are displayed and flown as part of community celebrations connected with remembrance of deceased relatives.
The tradition combines craftsmanship, family participation, religious observance, and public gathering.
Making the kites can require considerable cooperation and specialized knowledge.
The finished objects aren't simply decorations—they become part of a community's way of remembering the dead.
UNESCO added the Technique of Making the Giant Kites of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024.
© UNESCO