how do they celebrate day of the dead in guatemala

They celebrate Day of the Dead in Guatemala on November 1 and 2, coinciding with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. The celebrations are joyful tributes to deceased ancestors, family, and friends. Key traditions include cleaning and decorating graves with marigold flowers, candles, and food offerings. Families often stay in cemeteries, sharing feasts like fiambre (a cold salad with various meats and vegetables) and tamales while honoring the spirits. A distinctive feature in Guatemala is the Kite Festival in highland villages such as Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, where locals fly giant, colorful kites believed to communicate with and guide the spirits. Other regions celebrate unique rituals like horse races in Todos Santos Cuchumatán and processions honoring Mayan ancestors. The preparations for the festival can start weeks in advance, with the community coming together to craft decorations and food in a blending of Mayan and Catholic traditions.