Celia Jiménez here, thinking about Day of the Dead and missing the sugar skull that had my name on it.
Sugar skulls are a colorful, sweet element on an altar to represent people. They blend Mesoamerican culture and religion with Spanish confectionery (sugar paste) and Catholicism.
Mesoamerican altars called tzompantli used real skulls that symbolized the passage between mortal and spiritual life, and death was seen as the end of a stage and the beginning of the afterlife in Mictlan, a nine-level underworld realm.
Beyond being a decorative altar element, sugar skulls also symbolize that death is inevitable and are a link to the spiritual world. A sugar skull with a name inscribed on it could be part of an altar honoring a loved one who has died or a gift for someone alive, reminding them that death is part of life.
Locally, different places offer sugar skull workshops or contests prior to Nov. 2.
The Greenfield Community Science Workshop is hosting a sugar skull decorating contest. Contestants have until Friday, Oct. 23, to submit a photo of their skull and their altar. Organizers will select five winners and each will receive $40.
Participants can get a kit from the science workshop located at 45 El Camino Real.
Several places, including Artisana Gallery in Pacific Grove, Marina Branch Library and North County Recreation and Park District in Castroville, will have community altars.
Sol Treasures in King City hosts a Day of the Dead Celebration on Nov. 1 with its traditional Catrina and Catrin contest. The event includes parades, live music and performances, workshops and more.
Beyond being a solemn celebration, Day of the Dead brings joy and builds community across cultures. After all, we all remember the dead one way or another—and death transcends all borders.