In Guatemala, November 1st is All Saints’ Day which honors those who have passed away and symbolically reunites them with the living. Each year, Guatemalans celebrate BIG by flying huge kites, gathering at cemeteries, cleaning and painting graves and making giant salads. The hearty Fiambre salad is probably the largest you’ll ever have—it can include up to 50 ingredients!
Visiting cemeteries:
Families decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers and candles. They may also leave food offerings of their favorite drink or the traditional dish fiambre, which is a cold salad made with vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Flying kites:
Large, colorful kites are flown to carry messages and prayers to the spirits of the deceased. The kites are made from natural materials and can be 20 feet across and are made to honor the dead.
Creating an atmosphere of joy:
Families listen to music as they picnic in the cemetery, they laugh, cry, sing and bond with each other. You can see children running through the cemetery flying their own kites and chasing the wind.
Preparing Fiambre (a large family style salad):
Each family has their own unique recipe for fiambre, which is passed down through generations. There are two main versions: fiambre rojo (made with beets) and fiambre blanco (made without beets).
Eating pan de muerto:
A sweet bread that is a staple during All Saints’ Day.
Playing music:
Walking through a Guatemalan cemetery you will often hear live marimba music being played on All Saints’ Day.
