The Art of Papel Picado: How to Incorporate Traditional Mexican Banners in Your Day of the Dead Decor
The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a beautiful blend of joy, remembrance, and spirituality. It is celebrated with altars, vibrant decorations, offerings (ofrendas), and traditional foods. Among these elements, papel picado banners stand out as a symbol of unity between life and death. Their delicate movement in the air reflects the fleeting nature of existence.
In this guide, we’ll explore the symbolism behind papel picado, creative ways to use it for Day of the Dead decor, and how it can transform your celebration into a meaningful and visually stunning experience. Whether you’re creating a personal altar for loved ones or hosting a festive gathering, papel picado is essential.
What Is Papel Picado and Why Is It Important for Day of the Dead?
Papel picado is a traditional Mexican folk art made by chiseling intricate patterns into colored tissue paper. These banners are used in celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and Día de los Muertos. Their significance during the Day of the Dead lies in their symbolism of both fragility and celebration, representing the impermanence of life and the joy of honoring those who came before us.
For Day of the Dead, papel picado plays a spiritual role. Traditionally, it represents wind or breath—one of the essential elements (along with earth, fire, and water) that guide spirits back to the land of the living. The fluttering movement of the banners signals the presence of spirits among the living, making them a perfect addition to altars and homes.
Color Guide: Incorporate traditional colors that carry specific meanings:
- Purple: Mourning and spirituality
- Pink and Orange: Celebration and unity
- White: Purity and remembrance
- Yellow: Light and hope, often associated with marigold flowers
How to Use Papel Picado in Your Day of the Dead Decor
1. Decorate Your Altar with Vibrant Papel Picado
One of the most meaningful aspects of Día de los Muertos is creating an altar (ofrenda) to honor deceased loved ones. These altars are adorned with photographs, candles, marigolds, and personal items that represent the person being remembered. Adding papel picado banners creates depth and visual impact, turning the altar into a vibrant, sacred space.
Try hanging multi-colored papel picado banners behind or above the altar. Layering different colors will give the altar dimension and align with the joyful spirit of the celebration. You can also frame the altar by lining smaller banners along the edges for a polished, festive look.
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2. Hang Banners to Create a Festive Atmosphere Throughout Your Home
If you’re hosting a Day of the Dead celebration at home, papel picado banners can instantly set the tone. Hang them:
- Across windows and walls to frame your space
- Above doorways to greet guests with a pop of color
- In outdoor spaces like gardens or patios for a festive entrance
Using custom-colored papel picado allows you to match the banners with your theme. For instance, choose purple and white for a spiritual ambiance or pink and yellow for a celebratory feel. Pairing these banners with matching table runners ensures a cohesive decorative theme throughout your space.
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Tip: If hosting outdoors, consider durable plastic banners that can withstand the weather.
3. Add a Personal Touch with Day of the Dead-Themed Papel Picado
For a unique touch, use banners featuring traditional Day of the Dead imagery, such as skulls, skeletons, marigold flowers, and candles. These symbols reflect the holiday’s core theme of remembering the dead with joy rather than sorrow. Banners with these motifs add extra meaning to your decor and help create an immersive experience for guests.
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Pair Papel Picado with Table Runners for a Complete Look
To elevate your decor, pair papel picado with colorful Mexican table runners. These runners add structure and richness to your dining table or altar. For a more cohesive theme, use a purple Catrina runner alongside matching banners.
Place candles, marigolds, and sugar skulls on top of the runner to create a stunning centerpiece. This setup is perfect for dinner parties or gatherings where guests can admire the thoughtful details.
Bonus Tip: Use smaller papel picado banners to accent table edges and complete the look.
Why Choose Authentic Papel Picado from Fiesta Connect?
When decorating for Day of the Dead, choosing authentic papel picado ensures that you’re honoring the tradition properly. At FiestaConnect, all banners are handcrafted by artisans in Mexico City, reflecting the spirit and artistry of Mexican culture. Buying authentic products also supports fair trade practices and helps preserve the tradition for future generations.
Create a Meaningful Day of the Dead Celebration
Using papel picado banners for your Day of the Dead decor adds color, meaning, and tradition to your celebration. Whether you’re building a personal altar or hosting friends for a gathering, Fiesta Connect offers a variety of authentic Mexican banners and table runners to bring your vision to life.
Explore our Day of the Dead collection and find everything you need to honor your loved ones with style and tradition.
We were featured in Redfin's Blog!
Day of the Dead Celebration: How to Prepare and Design Your Home for the Occasion
We were recently featured in Redfin's guide to Day of the Dead celebrations! Discover how to incorporate beautiful traditional elements like papel picado and create a meaningful atmosphere for your Día de los Muertos gathering. You can read the full article here.