People in the US often see sugar skulls, or skulls in general and often think it is scary and it partners well with Halloween. In America when people celebrate Halloween in makes me think about my culture and how unique our culture is compared to Halloween meaning to scare. However, in Mexico sugar skulls are used to celebrate “ El Dia De los Muertos “, also known as “ The Day Of The Dead “. This holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. 

This calavera  (skull) is made in Mexico by really artistic people. When I was told about this amazing holiday from my grandma I knew it all made sense, and why those two days are really meaningful to our culture. This object not only connects to my culture but my identity as well, by being part of that culture it makes me belong to a group that is distinctly different.

These sugar skulls are often used to decorate the gravestones of our deceased family and friends. We dress up nicely and put food and drinks on their gravestones. This holiday is very special because we feel like the spirits of our deceased are with us and they know we won’t forget about them. So yes we paint our faces with skulls and make skulls but not to scare, but to spread peace in a spiritual way and celebrate our amazing holiday, and our culture.

– Vanessa N

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant