Mexico and the Sugar Skull

If you have visited Mexico around the beginning of November, you have likely seen elaborate skulls made of sugar being sold in bakeries or covering cemeteries and gravesites. The skulls are part of the Dia de los Muertos holiday, a Mexican holiday also known as the Day of the Dead, which is held on November 1 and 2nd each year.

Day of the Dead Holiday

Roman Catholics and other Christians all over the world celebrate All Saints Day to honor the saints on November 1st, and then observe All Souls Day to commemorate departed loved ones the following day. In Mexico, this celebration is combined with ancient death rituals of the Aztec people to create the Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. In accordance with Aztec tradition, families build an altar in honor of their deceased family members; then skulls representing the souls of these family members are placed both on this altar, and at the gravesites of the deceased. Since Mexicans believe the departed souls come back to visit during this time, it is traditional to leave food for them on the altar.

Sugar Skulls

Sugar skulls became popular at Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations in the 17th century due to both the abundance of sugar and the lack of money for imported church decorations. These candied skulls are created from a granulated sugar, meringue powder and water mixture, which is then placed in a skull head mold. After drying, they are decorated with colorful paint and sometimes covered with glitter or sparkling tin. While these skulls are not edible and are intended only for display use, often edible skulls with brightly-colored icing are also made as a holiday treat for children.

Although skulls may seem morbid or scary, in Mexico sugar skulls are made with smiles and happy expressions. Children look forward to getting edible versions of the sugar skulls to enjoy. These skulls help bring families together during the Day of the Dead celebrations in joyous remembrance of the dearly departed.