# Macabre Perforated Paper Art Papel Picado Celebrates the Day of the Dead By Jennifer Astle | Published 2008-12-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perforated-paper-art-papel-picado-celebrating-the-day-of-the-dead References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/20/day-of-the-dead-papercuts/) & [bibliodyssey.blogspot](http://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/12/day-of-dead-papercuts.html) Papel picado, or perforated paper, is a form of [traditional Mexican artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lush-2025-da-de-muertos) celebrating the [Day of the Dead](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/da-de-los-muertos). This stunning and haunting form of artwork depicts the deceased using tissue paper and scissors or sharp chisels. Colored or metallic tissue paper may be used to create these exceptionally detailed designs honoring the dead. Chances are you have created papel picado before. Remember making snowflakes out of paper in grade school? That, my friends, is papel picado. **Implications** - The Mexican festival of the Days of the Dead has the honor of having the most amount papel picados made specifically for the occasion. The papel picado banners are perfect for a festival because they are colorful and exuberant. Other designs are made, but none are as popular as the papel picado. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Traditional Mexican Art:** Explore the growing trend of traditional Mexican art forms like papel picado that celebrate Mexican culture and traditions. - **Day of the Dead Celebrations:** Discover the rise of Day of the Dead celebrations and the increasing popularity of papel picado as a unique and artistic way to honor the deceased. - **Paper Cutting Techniques:** Experience the resurgence of paper cutting techniques in art and design, with papel picado being a prime example of this intricate and visually appealing craft. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Craft:** The art and craft industry can embrace the trend of papel picado and offer workshops, supplies, and inspiration for individuals interested in creating their own perforated paper art. - **Event Planning:** Event planning professionals can incorporate papel picado as a distinctive decorative element in Day of the Dead-themed events and festivals, providing a visually stunning experience for attendees. - **Home Decor:** The home decor industry can introduce papel picado-inspired products such as wall hangings, lampshades, and window decals, offering customers a unique and culturally significant way to adorn their living spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Celebratory Tex-Mex Meal Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-el-paso-day-of-the-dead.md) - [Mexican Holiday-Inspired Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chef-merito.md) - [Mexican Holiday-Branded Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manzanita-sol.md) - [Festive Día de Muertos-Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/da-de-muertos-dolls.md) - [Mexican Heritage Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tequila-don-julio-launches.md) - [Celebrational Beer Can Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modelo.md) - [Mexican Tradition-Inspired Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timex-day-of-the-dead-weekender.md) - [Sculptural Paper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti.md) - [Culturally Celebratory Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/distil-your-world-mexico.md)