Fill the Sky with Color in the Regional Traditions Guide

Our skies are ideal for kite flying; a pleasant past-time for both kids and adults alike. Whether you pick one up at the store or take on the challenge of designing your own then succeed in coaxing it up into the clouds. You don’t need a strong wind. A light breeze is all it takes to hoist them aloft.

Today there are kites of every size, shape, color, and description. Despite the many choices, the most popular remain the traditional rhombus shape. Kites are very easy to make. You need only a pair of rods or wooden dowel, a piece plastic or tissue paper for the body, and a string to fly it, A few pieces of cloth or plastic may be added for a decorative tail.

There are many stories and legends about kites, that have been passed down from generation to generation, but we do know with certainty that they originated in Asia. It is generally believed that China is the country where the first kites in the shape of a bird were flown around 400 A.D. Kites arrived here in Mexico along with the Spanish. The Mexican term for a kite, papalote, [pa pa lo tay] actually means butterfly.

When the winds blow, the joy of kite flying appears in the sky, painting it thousands of colors. It is an ideal way to spend time with the whole family. Remember that you must go to a wide open space and stay well away from any electrical power lines. Along the beach or at the soccer field of the municipal stadium are ideal locations.