From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
Mexico town keeps Day of the Dead tradition alive, one sheet of paper at a time
Artisans in Mexico's San Salvador Huixcolotla craft handmade papel picado for Dia de Muertos.
In brief
Artisans in Mexico's San Salvador Huixcolotla craft handmade papel picado for Dia de Muertos. Artisans in San Salvador Huixcolotla, Mexico, make handmade papel picado for Dia de Muertos festivals. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Papel Picado Craft
Artisans in San Salvador Huixcolotla, Mexico, make handmade papel picado for Dia de Muertos festivals.
“The multicolored paper perforated with intricate folk art designs is known as “papel picado” (pecked paper).”
Handmade Tradition
More than a century later, three-quarters of the town’s 17,000 inhabitants are employed in producing the paper, which is exported worldwide.
“Papel picado originated in this small central Mexican town in the late 19th century.”
Global Demand
Artisans export decorative banners to countries including South Korea and Japan for events like baptisms and quinceaneras.
“He and his wife employ over a dozen people, including their four daughters, making decorative banners for clients as far away as South Korea and Japan.”
Peak Demand
Orders for papel picado skyrocket in the lead-up to Dia de Muertos, when hundreds of thousands of sheets are used nationwide.
“But orders skyrocket in the lead-up to the Day of the Dead, when hundreds of thousands of sheets of paper are used to deck out towns and cities.”
Artisan Pride
Miguel Reynoso, a 58-year-old artisan, says his craft is recognized globally and valued for its handmade quality.
“We get satisfaction from the idea that our craftsmanship is recognized in other countries and that people see value in handmade things.”
Family Business
Miguel Reynoso and his wife employ over a dozen people, including their four daughters, making banners for international clients.
“Miguel Reynoso has been in the business for 40 years.”
Cultural Significance
Artisans say the disappearance of handicrafts would be a blow to Mexico’s heritage and cultural identity.
“The disappearance of handicrafts, “a symbol of Mexico,” would be a blow to the country’s heritage, she argued.”
The takeaway
Artisans in San Salvador Huixcolotla, Mexico, make handmade papel picado for Dia de Muertos festivals.
