Papel Picado: The Mexican tradition of “pierced” paper

In Mexico, cut tissue paper or papel picado is a traditional decoration for the Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, national holidays, weddings, and other celebrations. These brightly colored banners are strung along balconies, across streets and buildings, homes, and squares. They are mostly created from templates depicting animals, people, skulls for the Day of the Dead, whimsical figures, and abstract geometric patterns. Papel picado is inexpensive and ephemeral, which means that people are constantly creating and re-creating these beautiful paper works that create an instantly festive mood wherever they are hung.

Photo: Courtesy David Cabrera, CC via Flickr

Photo: Courtesy Magalie L’Abbe, CC via Flickr

Photo: Courtesy jazbeck, CC via Flickr

Have you come home from Mexico with a treasure? Drop a comment in the box below. I love to hear your stories!