Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” is a holiday celebrated primarily in Mexico and other countries that are home to large Spanish-speaking populations. This holiday is most often observed on November first, the day after Halloween, in connection with the Catholic dedications of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and is a ritual of reverence for the ancestors and other honored dead.
Deadly Decor
During Día de los Muertos, many families build private altars, where food and drink will be left as offerings for the returning dead, along with photographs, flowers, and treasured possessions. Amongst the most popular items are pan de muerto (bread of the dead), marigolds, tequila, and sugar skulls.
Sugar Skulls
Sugar skulls are made out of special marzipan (a sugary candy often used in cake decorating) and are decorated extravagantly with bright colors and beautiful floral designs. These sweets have become synonymous with Day of the Dead celebrations all over the world.
Return of the Living Dead
In many cultures, it is believed that on the Day of the Dead the souls of the departed are able to walk amongst the living. As such, artwork surrounding this holiday often depicts the dead returning to life corporeally and performing actions like playing music, dancing, and drinking.
Catrinas Fair
A skeletal woman, called a Catrina, is often seen resting on altars in the form of artwork or statuaries, and is connected to the pagan origins of the holiday. The Catrina is a modern representation of the Aztec goddess Mictecacihuatl, the revered lady of the dead, and is also the inspiration behind the English concept of “corpse brides,” as she is often depicted in wedding attire or as being the bride of death.
Interested in sugar skull makeup for celebration this season? Then check out this sweet and simple sugar skull tutorial on our fresh and frightening YouTube channel.
