Hands-On Art History

Papel Picado Hands-On Art History

In Mexico, cut tissue paper, or papel picado, is a traditional decoration for Cinco de Mayo, the Day of the Dead, national holidays, weddings, funerals, and many other celebrations. These festive, brightly colored sheaths of paper hang from banners strung along balconies, across streets and buildings, homes, and squares. They are inexpensive and ephemeral, which means that people create and recreate these beautiful paper works. Now, everyone can enjoy decorating these colorful works with colored pencils, crayons, or markers.