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Far from the somber and uniformly white tones seen in many cemeteries around the world, the graves in Guatemala are adorned like remarkable works of art.
In Guatemalan culture, the world of the departed is highly respected and most prominently displayed in its graveyards. In the rural areas of this country, people are attracted to cemeteries with brightly painted tombstones.
Friends and family use the favorite colors of the departed to express their memories. Particularly in regions like Solóla, Chichicastenango, and Xela, graveyards have become interesting destinations, appealing to many tourists.
During All Saints' Day on 1/11, also known as the 'Day of the Dead,' cemeteries serve as central venues for ceremonies and homage to the departed. People dress vibrantly, gather to clean and care for the graves, decorate them with various flowers, and also organize outings and dining nearby.
Another tradition of the Guatemalan people is to make large, colorful kites and fly them near cemeteries. They believe that by inscribing messages on these kites, they can 'communicate' with the departed.
Additional Information:
Guatemala, situated in Central America along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is a country with an ancient cultural heritage, serving as the cradle of the Maya civilization dating back 3,000 years.
Travelers can reach this nation by air, car, bus, or boat. The fastest route is by air, arriving at airports such as La Aurora (GUA) in Guatemala City or Flores in Peten. For those traveling by car or bus from Mexico, Honduras, or El Salvador to Guatemala, there are also boats or ferries departing from Puerto Barrios, Livingston, Punta Gorda, or Belize.
Guatemala boasts numerous noteworthy tourist attractions, including the ancient city of Tikal – a UNESCO-recognized heritage site since 1979, Lake Atitlan, the Pacaya volcano, and the city of Antigua Guatemala.
Source: VnExpress
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourMarch 17, 2015
