SUGAR SKULLS - fancy & colorful. Represent a departed soul FLOWERS - either wild marigolds, called cempasuchil (the aromatic flower of the dead) – or red cock’s comb CANDLES - from simple religious votives to elaborate COPAL INCENSE to direct the spirits to the ofrenda DRINKS - water for the tired, thirsty...
Day of the Dead Traditions
Significance of the Catrina
Angela Villalba
Many people ask about the significance of the Catrina as she shows up a lot in folk art for Day of the Dead. The history of the Catrina dates back to the famous woodcuts from Jose Guadalupe Posada, who printed political satire newspaper illustrations during the Mexican Victorian period (1890...
Day of the Dead Party Guide
Angela Villalba
A popular new alternative to a Halloween party, Day of the Dead parties are being held all over the United States either on the weekend before or after November 2. Don’t feel timid about hosting a sugar skull party as they are fun, family oriented and everyone who comes takes...
About Sugar Skulls
Angela Villalba
Mexican sugar skulls are folk art nirvana! They are a disappearing ephemeral folk art that are made by master candy makers who learned the technique from their grandparents. Sugar skulls are made with boiled sugar that is poured into moist clay break away molds. They are always hollow. Sounds easy?...