Festivities
In the world of the Maya, many traditions are tied to astronomy. The Day of the Holy Cross on May 3rd, and the Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd, are connected with the position of the Sun, as observed from the Earth. May 3rd corresponds to the zenith passage of the Sun, when it can be observed directly overhead. Early November corresponds to the nadir passage of the Sun, when it is directly below us. This gallery shows images of these two important Maya traditions.
During the first days of May, the Sun passes directly overhead in Zunil, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. On May 3rd the Maya build traditional crosses.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
Early in the morning, Avelino Cruz Carrillo of Zunil walks far from town, into old growth forest, to gather materials he uses to build the crosses for his family.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
Crosses are used to decorate homes and many other places, including "camionetas," the local transportation buses.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
In the town of Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, men make wreaths of pine fronds and flowers to decorate family tombs for Day of the Dead.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
At the cemetery, family tombs are decorated with pine needles and flowers. During Day of the Dead, the ritual silence is followed by music and the laughter of children flying kites.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
The town of Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, is world famous for their 100-year old Festival of Giant Kites.
Luis Llovera Ramírez
Hundreds of kites of all sizes fly throughout the day. The people of Santiago write messages to their ancestors on the tails of the kites.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
Teams of local youth work for several months to build giant kites, with design themes that reflect current social and cultural issues. These huge kites are raised on posts at the cemetery, and are not flown.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
By late afternoon, the cemetery is transformed by the presence of thousands of visitors who come to admire the enormous and colorful kites.
Tepeu Roberto Poz Salanic
