Papel picado is an intricate art form that involves chiseling pictures into thirty or more layers of tissue paper at one time. The details are amazing, considering the tools, and the result is a long banner of flags containing the pictures representative of the season or celebration.

You may think bright colors are simply the standard and any hue will do. However, there are certain colors chosen for specific celebrations. Light blue, pink and white are the colors of choice for holidays honoring the Virgin Mary. Patron saints are honored with hues of yellow and white. Dia de los Muertos bring out the boldest color choices like fuchsia, orange, and violet. Easter is a time of whites and deep purples. During patriotic celebrations the traditional Mexican red, white and green are displayed.

The art form goes back to pre-Hispanic times when Mulberry bark was made into a paper which was used for banners and flags used for ceremonies. Today, the paper craft can be seen throughout the world and even classrooms across the United States create similar decorations by folding and cutting tissue paper.

The use of papel picado is an inexpensive and exotic way to create visually mesmerizing decorations for any celebrations. Even walking along the Haciendo area of Disneyland displays the Mexican papel picado. While the inticate details of some of the most stunning pieces come from deep in Mexico, it is a fun craft that anyone can enjoy during any time of the year.