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Papel picado is a Mexican paper-cutting craft: artisans cut decorative patterns into paper, often tissue paper, to make colorful banners and other decorations. It may be used for celebrations and, in some regional Day of the Dead practices, to decorate an ofrenda. It is distinct from cut figures made from amate bark paper, which have their own materials and ceremonial history.
What is papel picado?
Papel picado is made by cutting designs into sheets of paper. Its openwork patterns let light and air pass through, and strings of cut paper are commonly used as festive decoration. A Radio Educación catalog entry for a documentary co-produced with FONART describes artisans in San Pablito, in Puebla’s Pahuatlán municipality, making papel picado throughout the year and using it ceremonially. The catalog summarizes a history in which tissue paper arrived through trade and became part of artisans’ work that had previously used amate bark paper; that account should not be treated as a universal timeline for every region or practice. Radio Educación / FONART catalog entry
How is papel picado used on an ofrenda?
In some regional Day of the Dead practices, papel picado decorates an ofrenda. Mexico’s Secretariat of Culture describes the paper as a handcrafted decoration that symbolizes wind, and notes its use in parts of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Chiapas, and Tabasco. Customs vary among communities; these examples do not mean every Mexican family or region uses papel picado in the same way. Secretariat of Culture: “El culto a los muertos, costumbre que se remonta a la época prehispánica”
Practical placement
- Choose a spot above or behind the ofrenda where the banner can hang without covering photographs, food, candles, or other offerings.
- Secure the string at both ends so the paper hangs freely. Keep it away from open flames, since tissue paper is combustible.
- Use it as one part of the arrangement rather than assuming it is required. If you are observing a specific community’s tradition, follow that community’s guidance about how the ofrenda is prepared.
Papel picado and amate figures are different crafts
Although the traditions have connections, tissue-paper papel picado and amate figures are not interchangeable names or materials. The official Sistema de Información Cultural craft record describes amate figures made from bark and cut with scissors, with recorded ritual uses that include healing ceremonies. It also documents artisans’ development of decorative forms and a collective mark for the San Pablito craft. Sistema de Información Cultural: “Figuras de papel amate”
| Aspect | Papel picado | Amate cut figures |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Decorative cut paper, including tissue paper in the documented account. | Bark paper, cut into figures. |
| Documented context | Decoration at celebrations and in some regional ofrenda practices. | Ceremonial figures, including documented use in healing ceremonies, as well as later decorative forms. |
| Source basis | Radio Educación / FONART catalog and Secretariat of Culture article. | Sistema de Información Cultural craft record. |
Choosing papel picado with cultural care
When buying or displaying craftwork, distinguish handmade work from mass-produced decoration and credit the maker or community when that information is available. This matters especially for motifs connected with specific artisan traditions. In a statement dated 11 July 2023, Mexico’s Secretariat of Culture objected to commercial products it said copied designs associated with amate figures by Otomí artisans in San Pablito and Pahuatlán. The statement described concerns about artisan livelihoods and the designs’ ceremonial and cultural significance. It addressed a specific case involving amate designs; it does not establish that every commercial papel picado product is implicated. Secretariat of Culture statement, 11 July 2023
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Vibrant Mexican Style - 2 Sets of Mexican party banners with different styles, each panel (12.2 x 16.5 inches) of the banner features a unique and colorful design, incorporating traditional Latino elements such as guitar, cactus, flowers, sun, etc. Perfect for adding a festive touch to any occasion!
- Easy to Hang - Both of our Mexican party banners are 18 Feet long in total, and you can hang the banner on trees, windows, light strings, lamp posts, and more for easy decoration. You can feel confident using the banner for both indoor and outdoor occasions, waterproof and durable.
- Durable & Premium Quality - Both of our Mexican party banners are made from high-quality PVC, non-toxic, odorless, waterproof, and wrinkle-resistant. Vibrant and bright colors have no fading issue. Each panel is precisely cut with clear patterns and exquisite workmanship, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Reusable - The banner is easy to clean after use, and these panels can be easily stacked and stored, saving space and making them reusable for future occasions.
- Widely Used - Our Mexican party banners are perfect for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, baptisms, weddings, retirements, anniversaries, Fiestas, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, dia de los Muertos, Posadas, Quinceañeras, Day of The Dead, and more.
Rank #4
- What you will get: 4 sets Mexican party banners, 4 completely different Mexican party style designs, each set of banner contains 9 plastic panels in different patterns, sufficient quantity allows you to use and replace according to your favor and occasion
- Great decorations for party: these Mexican party banners are designed with different patterns of various colors, vibrant and bright colors make your party attractive and impressive, create great festive spirit
- Material: these Mexican party banners are made of plastic material, lightweight, durable and reusable, not easy to fade and no odd smell, can serve you for a long time
- Mexican theme celebrations: these Mexican party banners are suitable for many occasions, such as birthdays, baptisms, anniversary, weddings, retirements, Fiesta, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican independence day and so on
- Dimension: each banner measures approx. 16.5 x 12.2 inches/ 42 x 31 cm, 15 feet long/ 4.5 m for the whole set Mexican party banner, suitable size to hang up in rows with a white rope for easy assembly, great accessory to decorate your party
Rank #3
- Authentic Mexican Craftsmanship: Handcrafted in Mexico by skilled artisans, these Mexican party decorations (a.k.a. papel picado banners) feature 5 Mexican banners for fiesta party with 10 unique flag designs per banner, blending cultural artistry for vibrant décor that lasts.
- Generous Size: Each mexican papel picado banner measures 18.4 ft (5.6 Meters) long for a total of 92 ft (28 meters) for the whole set. With 10 unique designs and colors per banner each individual Mexican cut out decoration fiesta flag measures 16 x 12.5 inches (41 x 32 cm).
- Waterproof & UV Protected: Our papel picado plastic banners are made from high-quality waterproof plastic with premium UV protection to minimize fading in sunlight. Capable of withstanding rain, wind, and extended outdoor use while keeping colors bright.
- Versatile Mexican Garland Decorations: Our plastic Mexican banners are excellent for mexican theme party decorations, including Cinco de Mayo decorations, Day of the Dead (dia de los muertos decor), Mexican Independence day, posadas navidenas, birthdays, taco parties, baptisms, anniversaries, weddings, or as Mexican restaurant décor.
- Reusable & Convenient: Elevate your Mexican decorations for party with this authentic fiesta party banner set. This set offers great value and practicality, making it a cost-effective solution for any Mexican or Hispanic themed celebration or event.
Rank #2
- Authentic Mexican Craftsmanship: Handcrafted in Mexico by skilled artisans, these Mexican party decorations (a.k.a. papel picado banners) feature 5 Mexican banners for fiesta party with 10 unique flag designs per banner, blending cultural artistry for vibrant décor that lasts.
- Generous Size: Each mexican papel picado banner measures 18.4 ft (5.6 Meters) long for a total of 92 ft (28 meters) for the whole set. With 10 unique designs and colors per banner each individual Mexican cut out decoration fiesta flag measures 16 x 12.5 inches (41 x 32 cm).
- Waterproof & UV Protected: Our papel picado plastic banners are made from high-quality waterproof plastic with premium UV protection to minimize fading in sunlight. Capable of withstanding rain, wind, and extended outdoor use while keeping colors bright.
- Versatile Mexican Garland Decorations: Our plastic Mexican banners are excellent for mexican theme party decorations, including Cinco de Mayo decorations, Day of the Dead (dia de los muertos decor), Mexican Independence day, posadas navidenas, birthdays, taco parties, baptisms, anniversaries, weddings, or as Mexican restaurant décor.
- Reusable & Convenient: Elevate your Mexican decorations for party with this authentic fiesta party banner set. This set offers great value and practicality, making it a cost-effective solution for any Mexican or Hispanic themed celebration or event.
#1 Best Overall
- CINO DE MAYO SET. All banners have 12 panels. Each panel measures 13″ x 17″/43cm x 33cm, with a total string length of approximately 18 feet. Assorted colors. Party packs come in packs of 6, bagged individually. This will give you over 108 linear feet of papel picados in one party pack!
- PREMIUM CRAFTSMANSHIP - Great for parties! These hand cut papel picado banners have a bit more simple design at economical prices! Party pack banners have bold, large designs with about half as many cuts as our premium line of lacey, detailed banners. All of our banners are made by one the finest papel picado artists.
- COLORFUL FIESTA – Featuring traditional Mexican designs. Handmade Punched Plastic Flags or Papel Picado Banderas in Every Color of the Rainbow! This papel picado banners provide over 108 feet of decorating goodness! Mexican garlands can be hung in a rows, tied together, or criss-crossed.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE - Our vinyl material is best suited for indoor or short-term outdoor events. This colorful flexible material comes with an elegant matte finish, and is both fade and tear resistant.
- SATISFACTION SERVICE: We will be always stand behind our products. Please don’t worry! If you are not completely satisfied with our Picado banner, please feel free to send us your issues. We're always happy to hear from you and answer questions! Just choose Lctevvn mexican party banners to make the party more festive.
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