Calavera (Skull) for Day of the Dead

A common symbol for Dia de los Muertos is calaveras or skulls. The artist for this detailed and bold skull is Augustin Galicia P. from Mexico.

Arizona has many local Day of the Dead celebrations in Guadalupe, Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa and more. I will go to one on Saturday. The Scottsdale arts scene features Mexican art, as well as Native American art, modern art, and more. Scottsdale has very diverse art galleries. Also, The Ranch markets here in the Valley have many Day of the Dead items, from sugar skulls to food and more.

Altars or Ofrendas include sugar skulls, orange marigolds (cempasuchil), pan de muerto which is egg bread made in many shapes, photos, memorabilia, and toys made of plaster paris or other materials that show skeletons (calacas) playing drums, riding bikes, or riding in cars. Families select those items to add to the alter that best symbolize what the person who passed on enjoyed doing or was known for doing. In this way, people remember that Uncle Ernie liked to play in a band or Aunt Maria liked to make tortillas. It is a great way to annually remember family members and friends who are no longer here.

Sometimes people might be taken aback by all of the skulls, but I found once I understood the symbolism, the history, and the joy in the celebration, I quite enjoy the life, spirit, and memories expressed in the skulls and skeletons.