Friday — Nov. 1

GUATEMALA – KITE FESTIVAL OF SANTIAGO SACATEPEQUEZ — Legend has it that long ago, there were evil spirits that disturbed the good spirits in the village cemetery. A magician told the villagers that flying kites would solve the problem, since evil spirits were frightened by the sound of wind against paper. Since then the festival has been held in the village cemetery (about 20 miles from Guatemala City). The elaborate kites made by local youth assure that “….to this day no one knows of bad spirits roaming the streets or the cemetery of Santiago Sacatepequez.”

MEXICO – DAY OF THE DEAD — A time for visiting cemeteries and remembering departed souls – not with mourning, but in a spirit of friendliness and good humor. During the observance, bakeries sell round loaves of bread, decorated with sugar skulls and appropriately called “Dead Men’s Bread.”

Saturday — Nov. 2

INDIA – DEEPA VALI (DIWALI) — Touted as the prettiest of all Indian festivals, Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya following a 14-year exile. Towns and villages are transformed by the thousands of lights flickering in homes. Noisy and colorful fireworks add to the festive air of the celebration. In Hindu homes, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshiped. The fastidious goddess is welcomed by newly cleaned and white-washed houses, with elaborate colored-powder designs drawn on the thresholds.