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38 INTERVAL WORLD ■ Issue 2, 2018 INTERVAL WORLD ■ Issue 2, 2018 39
CALACAS AND CALAVERAS
The most iconic accessory you’ll see during Day of the Dead is the
sugar skull. True sugar skulls are decorative ofrendas (offerings placed
upon altars for the dead) molded from a granulated white sugar mix-
ture (an ingredient that was plentiful when the art form originated in the
17th century), and embellished with icing, colored foil, feathers, rhine-
stones, sequins, beads, and more. Typically inscribed on the forehead
of the skull is the name of the individual being honored. Today, how-
ever, the term sugar skull commonly applies to anything resembling
or in representation of the traditional sugar skull, regardless of what
it’s made of. The sugar skull is incorporated in almost everything —
from artwork and home decor to jewelry, clothing, and face paintings.
Hand-painted ceramic skulls are sold in stores and by street vendors
year-round. These bold, one-of-a-kind creations come in a range of
different styles, and make a great souvenir and conversation piece.
Whether on posters or apparel, or in the form of petite figurines,
skeletons also symbolize the holiday. You’re sure to spot traditional
Día de los Muertos skeleton dolls —which vary in size and are decked
out in fun, festive clothing — or handmade devotional dioramas,
another popular ornamental item featuring miniature skeleton scenes
that are made of clay and paper-mache, and enclosed in a glass-front
wooden box.
WHERE TO SHOP:Happy Hookah in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers
a variety of ceramic skulls, as well as other Day of the Dead–themed
keepsakes. And in Riviera Maya, Mexico, explore the eclectic Mexican
Folk Art Museum in Xcaret Park, famous for its collection of Día de los
Muertos dolls. |
ART AND CRAFTS
Day of the Dead includes a rich history of folk art, which encour-
ages self-expression and portrays traditional elements in colorful and
dynamic ways. Portraits of revered folk art–style painter Frida Kahlo,
who incorporated calacas and calaveras in much of her artwork, are
ubiquitous throughout the holiday. Kahlo is widely celebrated in Mexico,
especially during Day of the Dead, for embracing her indigenous roots,
inspiring popular culture, and promoting social and political reform by
exploring questions of identity, gender, class, and race. Many artists
since Kahlo have continued to influence Mexican culture with works
that range from vibrant paintings and pottery to quirky masks, dainty
wooden figurines, and unique glassblown objects.
Perhaps the most intricate of handmade items is papel picado, a
decorative craft made from paper that is cut into elaborate designs and
strung together to form beautiful, festive banners. Papel picado adorns
homes, stores, and the altars of the deceased, and is meant to repre-
sent the fragility of life.
WHERE TO SHOP: For Día de los Muertos–inspired artwork and arti-
san goods, stop by the Craft Crypt at the Day of the Dead Celebration
in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida (see sidebar). Check out The Lost
Barrio in Tucson, Arizona, for fine art, and San Francisco, California’s
Casa Bonampak for a vast assortment of papel picado creations.
|
DRESS TO IMPRESS
In addition to sugar-skull face paintings and skeleton costumes,
party-goers will often don traditional Mexican clothing. Look for the
typical Chiapas dress, which includes a silk, off-the-shoulder blouse,
and a long, embroidered floral skirt. While original versions of the
Chiapas dress were once an everyday garment, today it’s consid-
ered more sophisticated and is reserved for special occasions. If
you’d rather keep it casual, choose a cozy serape, a blanket-like
shawl with multicolored stripes and fringed ends. Beyond being
worn, these vibrant pieces have a variety of decorative uses — from
furniture throws and window treatments to tablecloth and wall hang-
ings. Complete your look with a beaded statement necklace, Frida
Kahlo earrings, or a colorful embroidered handbag.
WHERE TO SHOP: Visit Casa Bernal on Los Angeles’ Olvera Street
in California for an array of traditional Mexican attire, or browse the
Tucson Thrift Shop for classic Day of the Dead formal wear, stunning
sugar-skull masks, and feathered accessories. In Riviera Maya, you’ll
find Frida Kahlo merchandise, jewelry, clothing, bags, and more at any
of the three MexiCarte locations. |
mexicarte.shop n
One of the most important holidays in Mexico, Día de los
Muertos was recognized in 2008 by UNESCO, when the
festivity was added to its Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Through the decades, this joyous
way to honor the dearly departed continues to increase in
popularity. Want to join the revelers? Buy your own calacas,
calaveras, and other Day of the Dead essentials, don a costume
and makeup, and partake in one of these lively Día de los
Muertos celebrations.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Join the processional of
musicians, stilts walkers, puppeteers, and more at the annual
Day of the Dead Celebration in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Nov. 2 |
New Orleans, Louisiana: The Voodoo Music + Arts
Experience is all about music, art, community, and
cuisine — but mostly music, with more than 65 bands
performing over the three-day celebration.
Oct. 26 – 28 |
Tucson, Arizona: Don’t miss Tucson’s 29th annual
All Souls Procession Weekend, attracting more than
150,000 participants and offering altars, entertainers,
and installation art.
Nov. 1 – 3 |
San Francisco, California: Add to the altars and take part
in the walking procession at the Festival of Altars,
held every year in the Mission District’s Garfield Square.
Nov. 2 |
Los Angeles, California: Olvera Street’s nine-day-long
procession is fun for the whole family, with Aztec dancers, live
music, and nightly parades.
Oct. 25 – Nov. 2 |
Riviera Maya, Mexico: Enjoy delicious Mexican fare,
hands-on activities, art exhibitions, and concerts at Xcaret
Park’s annual Festival of Life and Death Traditions.
Oct. 30 – Nov. 2 |
Inti St Clair/Getty Images; YAY Media AS/Alamy Stock Photo; Lightworks Media/Alamy Stock Photo
RIGHT: At the Frida Khalo Museum in Mexico City, known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House),
explore the home where the artist lived and admire some of her most important works.
A Matter
of Life
and Death