Today’s blog is all about Day of the Dead masks. What are they and when are they worn? Can you make your own? And where can you buy day of the dead masks online?
What are Day of the Dead Masks?
Day of the Dead Masks are worn at the ‘Day of the Dead‘ festival or ‘Dias de Las Muertos’ in Mexico and other parts of the world.
They symbolize death as a kind of rebirth for the spirit and are typically made from papier mache, carton, wood or sheet metal. They often depict features such as a skeleton, skull or some other macabre symbol. The wearing of these masks has ancient roots in indigenous Mesoamerican cultures: “The wearing of masks by celebrants is believed to make them impervious to evil spirits that might be drawn to those who are missing or have died” (Wikipedia).
When are they Worn?
Day of the Dead masks are traditionally worn on November 1 and 2 to honor dead ancestors.
Making Day of the Dead Masks
Today Day of the Dead mask-making has become an art form, with workshops springing up all over Mexico City during this time every year. The work is usually done by entire families, using traditional recipes and handmade tools. Some of the most famous masks are made by artisans from the city of Pátzcuaro.
In addition to being worn on November 1 and 2, these masks are sold to passersby during Dia de los Muertos processions, as well as in markets like Juarez’s La Merced. As part of their appeal, they can be quite whimsical in design: for instance, a skeleton mask might have a flower protruding from its mouth or a cat’s ears. Some even have removable features that can be swapped out for those looking for a more customized look (for instance, adding a mustache or beard).
Masks are also made for tourists, and have become extremely popular in the small tourist town of Tequila – about an hour from Guadalajara. The town is named after the famous drink made from the blue agave plant – “tequila” is a Nahuatl word meaning “you are drinking” and refers to the fact that tequila tappers would share their precious liquid with strangers passing by (which, if you think about it, is probably not too far from ancient Mesoamerican traditions).