Around the world people mourn for their loved ones who have passed through quiet prayer, sacred rituals or celebrations. On Nov. 1 during All Saints Day (Dia de Todos Santos), Guatemala City, Guatemala, residents transformed parts of their country into "the land of colors" with enormous kites, otherwise known as giant Barriletes, that filled the sky and communicated with the dead.

"On this day, the country transforms into a lively exhibition of remembrance filled with flowers, artistic decorations and food. What is most unique to Guatemala for this cultural tradition is the spectacular display of extravagantly enormous, brightly colored kites that fill the sky," Sabrina Lacle, a representative of the Guatemala Tourism Institute told Latin Post.

The enormous kites took over the skies of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sacatepéquez Sumpango where the largest kite festivals occur.

The colossal kites, which are made with rice paper and bamboo, showcased different designs and some spanned up to 20 meters in diameter. The kites carried a powerful and peaceful message and tribute for Guatemala's deceased. Color and design was also key to distinguish the dead.

"The tradition states that the deceased are able to identify their family members by the color and design of the kite, and communicate through the thread," Lacle explained. "Others embed messages in the kites that generate social, political or cultural awareness. At the end of the day, the kites are burned near cemeteries, which allows the dead to return to their resting place. The legend states that if the kites do not burn, the souls do not want to leave, which may be damaging to the relatives, crops or animals."

"Visiting Guatemala for Dia de Todos Santos is a truly once in a lifetime experience. There is absolutely no other country on this planet that has this type of colorful, unique festival of Kites to commemorate their dead. It is one of my family's absolute favorites," Marina K. Villatoro, a tourist who visited Guatemala told Latin Post.

Leading up to the Dia de Todos Santos, family members prepared the tombs to assure they were presentable for the big day. The preparation consisted of cleaning, painting and decorating the graves with lively colors.

"On the morning of Nov. 1, families begin their procession to the cemetery to pray and pay respect, often playing Mariachi music and singing favorite songs of the deceased," according to the Guatemala Tourism Institute. "From single roses to enormous wreaths, flowers abound, converting cemeteries into colorful gardens. Outside, roads are flooded with themed street food. Church bells can also be heard announcing the time for Mass."

Another travel enthusiast, Clare McInerney, who has spent some time living in Guatemala also shared her affection for the momentous event: "I recommend doing the 3-day hike to the town of Todos Santos to see the drunken horse race and crazy féria that is held there. As one of the few major towns in Guatemala where both women and men still wear traditional clothing styles, it is a truly unique experience, and the hike on the way there is the best way to see the beauty of the western highlands."

Check out a video showing aerial views of Guatemala's world-renown, Kite Festival on All Saints Day (Dia de Todos Santos), Nov. 1, it's quite a spectacular event to witness.