The Festivity
Also known as Day of the Death, this festivity is celebrated throughout Latin America mainly on November 1st and 2nd, particularly in Mexico. It is a traditional holiday that honors deceased loved ones and celebrates the connection between life and death.
Its origins date back to ancient Indigenous civilizations in Mesoamerica, including the Aztecs, whose rituals commemorated the dead and celebrated the Lady of the Death. She was thought to ascend on earth on that day to make sure the bones of the deaths were being cared for properly. After the Spanish colonization, these traditions blended with Catholic celebrations such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, shaping the festival as we know it today.
Nowadays, families celebrate by building ofrendas (altars) decorated with photographs, candles, marigolds, and the favorite foods of the deceased. People also visit cemeteries, share traditional dishes such as pan de muerto, and use colorful sugar skulls and decorations to honor those who have passed away. Rather than being a sad occasion, Día de los Muertos is a joyful celebration of memory, family, and the belief that the spirits of the dead return to visit their loved ones.
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The Origins and Technique of Papel Picado
Papel picado, which literally means “perforated paper,” is a traditional Mexican folk art that consists of cutting intricate patterns into thin, colorful sheets of paper to create decorative banners. Although its roots are often associated with pre-Hispanic Indigenous paper-making traditions, modern papel picado developed later, during the colonial period. According to the Mexican Folk Art Guide, the technique emerged in Puebla, particularly in the town of San Salvador Huixcolotla, where artisans began using imported Chinese tissue paper, known as papel de China. By the 1920s, local craftspeople were producing paper banners for markets and festivals, and by the 1970s, the tradition had spread throughout central Mexico. Today, traditional papel picado is made by drawing a design on a stencil, stacking several sheets of tissue paper on a lead plate, and cutting through them with small chisels and hammers. This method allows artisans to create multiple identical designs at once. The finished sheets are then glued or sewn onto strings to form colorful banners. Although handmade versions remain important, machine-cut plastic decorations are increasingly common.
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The Symbolism of Papel Picado in Día de los Muertos
During Día de los Muertos, papel picado is used to decorate ofrendas (altars), homes, streets, and cemeteries. Its designs often feature skulls, skeletons, and La Catrina, reflecting the festival’s relationship with death and remembrance. The colors also contribute to its symbolism: yellow and orange are associated with offerings to the deceased, while purple and black can represent mourning and remembrance. Beyond its decorative function, the delicate paper represents the fragility and temporary nature of life. As the banners move gently in the wind, they also contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of the celebration, connecting the living with the memory of those who have passed away. Papel picado therefore expresses one of the central ideas of Día de los Muertos: death is not simply an ending, but part of the continuous relationship between life, memory, and family.
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Today, this tradition is kept alive by a number of artisans who have specialised in this technique or have rethought it in other forms. Let’s get to know some of them:
Karina Puente – karinapuentearts
Karina is a Mexican-American artist whose work is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Santa Ynez Valley in central California. She founded the DIVE Intuit Program and lead a studio dedicated to joy, clarity, and the power of intentional art. Her work spans between paintings, drawings, and contemporary Papel Picado textile installations. These pieces honor intuition and the practice of refining belief. Her creative practice is inspired by the spirit of invention and shaped by the legacy of my great-grandmother, a seamstress who crafted intricate designs for Indigenous communities nearly a century ago.
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Javier Ponce – javierponce.mx
Javier Ponce lives in Mexico and he is a visual designer. He is passionate about ceramics and illustrations. He shares his creations on Instagram and one of its work it’s linked with the tradition of his country. He created a ceramic version of the Papel Picado, a celebration of its culture thought his own style.
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