How to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Guatemala?

Last Updated on November 8, 2025

While in most countries the culture is to shy away from discussions of death, Guatemalans (and other Latin Americans) embrace death. They use The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) as an opportunity to celebrate the death and the life of loved ones and friends they knew in this world. If you happen to be around Guatemala during the 1^st and 2^nd of November and are looking for tips and background information to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Guatemala, this blog post can definitely help you!

Día de los Muertos – when and why?

El Dia de los Muertos is a celebration that takes place every year on the first and second day of November throughout Latin America. It is a day when Guatemalans remember their dead loved ones and celebrate that they were able to be part of their family. It is believed that the souls of the people that have passed away return to Earth to check up on their families during this day.

What is the difference of celebrating día de los Muertos in Mexico and Guatemala?

Celebrating Dias de los Muertos in Guatemala and Mexico differs from each other. In Mexico, the festivities are deeply ingrained in the national identity, marked by decorated altars with marigolds, sugar skulls, and photographs of departed loved ones. The atmosphere is vibrant, with parades and communal gatherings in cemeteries and some people are dressed (like the photos below).

In contrast, families in Guatemala visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, but the atmosphere may be more intimate compared to the lively celebrations in certain parts of Mexico. Some key characteristics of the family traditions are; spending time with family, visiting the cemetery where your ancestors are buried, putting flowers on the mausoleums, saying prayers for the souls of the deceased, communing with the dead at an altar (ofrenda) or enjoying traditional foods. Additionally, Guatemala emphasizes the kite-flying tradition during this time, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead.

Despite these differences, the core essence of honoring and remembering the departed remains a common thread, which I think is a beautiful thing to do.

Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Guatemala

Many will begin the day by decorating and cleaning the graves of loved ones, putting flowers on them, and sometimes, sitting and eating a family feast there.

Most families will also make an ofrenda (altar) in their home or at the gravesite with items like marigold flowers, candles, incense, and the deceased’s favorite foods and beverages. This is a way to welcome the spirits of your loved ones. Lighting candles and incense helps guide the spirits of the departed back to the world of the living. It’s a common practice during Dia de los Muertos in Gueatemala.

Some families even pack up all their food, put on their best clothing, and head over to the cemetery to spend the whole day and night visiting with those who have left. Tradition says that a plate must also be served to the ones being visited and are thus placed on the ofrenda.

As the night comes, the cemeteries turn into big parties where the living relatives celebrate with the dead. Music and dancing accompany all-night feasting and communing with family both living and dead.

Día de los Muertos – Traditional Foods

Traditional foods that are prepared on the Day of the Dead often include fiambre (a cold salad-like cut dish including vegetables and meat), tamales, ayote en dulce (sweet potato in milk), pan de muertos (a sweet bread) and caldo de gallina (chicken soup). Outside the cemeteries you can find plenty of food and drink stalls. These dishes are often enjoyed in family gatherings and are believed to please the spirits. The photo below was taken at a local stand where I tried some traditional tacos.

Giant kites at Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango

The flying of kites is used as a means of communicating with the dead and showing them where to come down to visit their family members. The highland villages of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango host huge Kite Festivals each year and are one of the best places to go in Guatemala to celebrate Dia de los muertos. In these villages you can see astounding and impressive display and flight of the famous giant kites. The main streets are clogged with kite sellers, food vendors and carnival-style game tables.

Día de los Muertos – Good to know

• Visit local markets: A trip to any local market (mercado) at this time of the year will be filled with flowers, especially the orange marigolds or sempa, that are the most popular gifts for the dead. Many markets, such as the one in La Antigua, will also be filled with kites for sale.
• Attend Parades and Processions: Some towns and cities in Guatemala host parades and processions with people wearing traditional clothing, masks, and costumes. These events often include traditional music and dancing.
• Go in the early morning: Visit a cemetery on the 2nd or 3rd of November in the very early morning to be able to see the decorated mausoleums the best without too many people around.
• Learn About Local Traditions: Different regions in Guatemala may have their own unique traditions and customs for celebrating Dia de los Muertos. Take the time to learn about these local variations and participate in them.
• Respect Local Customs: Be respectful and considerate when participating in Dia de los Muertos festivities. It’s a deeply religious and cultural event for many people in Guatemala, so understanding and respecting their customs is essential.
• Capture the Moment: Document your experience with photographs, but be sure to ask for permission before taking pictures of people or their ofrendas.

Conclusion

El Dia de Los Muertos is an interesting and nice holiday meant to remember the dead in a positive and joyous way. Remember that Dia de los Muertos is a time to celebrate life and remember those who have passed away. By participating in these traditions and showing respect for the local customs, you can fully immerse yourself in this beautiful and meaningful Guatemalan celebration.

If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, feel free to let me know in the comment section below!

Author: Daphne

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