Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes highlights Maya Mam traditions and kite festival invitations

 Liwy Grazioso, Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes
Liwy Grazioso, Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes | Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes

The Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes de Guatemala published a series of tweets on November 3, 2025, highlighting cultural events and traditions that celebrate the heritage of the country.

In one post dated November 3, 2025, the Ministry wrote: "Entre la tierra y el cielo, cabalga la memoria de un pueblo. El 1 de noviembre, en Todos Santos Cuchumatán, el Juego de Gallos revive la fuerza espiritual del pueblo maya Mam: una carrera que une a los vivos con sus ancestros, símbolo de resistencia y respeto a la Madre Tierra." This tweet refers to the traditional "Juego de Gallos" held annually in Todos Santos Cuchumatán on November 1st. The event is described as a spiritual connection between the living and their ancestors and is considered an expression of resistance and respect for Mother Earth.

A subsequent tweet from the same day stated: "El Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes acompaña y reconoce esta manifestación que, generación tras generación, mantiene viva la herencia cultural de Guatemala. #ElPuebloDignoEsPrimero". In this message, the Ministry expresses its support for traditions that preserve Guatemalan cultural heritage across generations.

Later that day, another post promoted upcoming community activities: " Las Casas de Desarrollo de Salamá, Baja Verapaz; Cobán, Alta Verapaz; Poptún y San Benito. Petén, te invitan a participar en el ¡Festival y Concurso de Barriletes! ¡Aprende, participa y revitaliza los derechos culturales! #ElPuebloDignoEsPrimero". The tweet invites residents to participate in kite festivals and contests organized by local development centers in various regions.

The "Juego de Gallos" is part of longstanding celebrations in Todos Santos Cuchumatán during All Saints' Day. These festivities are significant for the Maya Mam community and include unique rituals such as horse races and other communal gatherings. Such events are recognized nationally for their role in preserving indigenous identity and fostering intergenerational transmission of culture.

The Ministry's public recognition reflects ongoing efforts by Guatemalan authorities to promote cultural rights and safeguard intangible heritage through official programs and community engagement initiatives.