MEXICO

“El amor no tiene cura, pero es la cura para todos los males.” Mexican Proverb

(Love has no cure, but is the cure for all ills). 

Colourful, spicy, and seductive, Mexico is a country both progressive and rooted in tradition. Altars can be found all over Mexico and are in abundance around November 2nd, the famous Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), when Mexicans joyfully celebrate deceased loved ones, calling spirits back to visit them with food, music and altars.

Mexican altars (ofrendas) are built around marigolds (believed to guide souls from graveyards to family homes), photos of deceased loved ones, candles, food and drink that they once liked, skulls (calaveras), and skeletons that mock death. The celebration blends elements of Aztec rituals with Catholic All Saints and All Souls Days – it celebrates life rather than death – death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle, not the end.

Handicrafts play a big role in Mexican altars – the act of putting them together combines love, creativity, warmth and spirituality. Some common elements include:

Nichos are folk art shadow boxes serving as shrines to celebrate deities or deceased loved ones, commonly decorated colourfully with sequins, statues, photos, candles and flowers.
Milagro charms were traditionally used for prayer but are increasingly used to attract luck, wealth, healing, love, travel etc. Generally attached to hearts or hand, you can but the charms separately and make your own “miracle” charm holder.
Mexican skulls (calavera) are vibrant ways to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones rather than mourning their death. Sometimes made from sugar, they are mostly made of clay and are personalised for use on altars.
Day of the Dead figures (calacas) are a non-fearful approach to death, celebrating the lives of the deceased rather than mourning them. Often depicted engaging in daily activities, they represent the belief that death is a natural continuation of life & a reunion with ancestors

Mexican Arts and Crafts

Mexican muse

Frida Kahlo, 1907 to 1954, is a Mexican artist, activist and global icon, known for her bold, unflinching self-portraits, colour, unconventional life and outspoken views. She was deeply influenced by indigenous Mexican culture, which is apparent in her use of bright colors and dramatic symbolism. For a taste of the fiery, passionate, revolutionary side of Mexico, check out her work. Way ahead of her time, she was unafraid to push artistic, political and social boundaries and remains an inspiration to this day for those of us that prefer the unconventional. Check out her work.

Creative Projects

Candle holders or decorative items

Find yourself some old bottles from charity shops, clean them up and dry them.

Edit photographs of religious icons or ancestors on Canva, or Adobe then print them onto stickers. Attach to the bottle.

Pick up some bottle charms or religious / spiritual charms and drape them around the neck of the bottle.

Insert a candle or a flower.

Nichos

Repurpose an old wooden box, or fashion an open box from wood.

Paint the box in vibrant blues, greens, yellow and pinks. Adorn with lattice work, stencils, beads and crystals, mala beads, or dyed lace.

Arrange your meaningful items inside. Your own personalised shrine to attach to a wall or to sit on a shelf or cabinet.

Mexican Textiles

Make your own quilts, cushions or runners with Mexican fabric.

For modern Mexicana fabric check out Alexander Henry or colourful tapestry stripes from textile stores.

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