With its origins in Mexican folk tradition, the Sugar Skull (or La Catrina) costume has popularized in the whole world. We see her on tattoos, decorative objects and, of course, on Halloween. We mean Catrina, or âthe Mexican Death,â although in that country it represents more than that.
She is a figure that was created by the cartoonist and illustrator JosĂ© Guadalupe Posada and her original name was «The âchickpeaâ skull». The âchickpeasâ were indigenous people that went from selling corn to selling chickpeas because that way they were regarded more as Europeans, and they turned their back on their culture and race. Her image is often associated to the Day of the Dead, though in fact it references other social situations at the end of the XIX century.
For that, Catrina is a critique to those Mexicans without resources that used to like to appear to live a lifestyle similar to the Europeans, but that in fact is not their own. From this is where the idea that this character does not wear clothes, but is a skeleton.
The appearance that characterizes Catrina and that we all know was the work of the muralist Diego Rivera, who portraited her this way in the mural «Dream of a Dominical Evening at the Central Alameda». And it was precisely this artist that named her âCatrina.â
And this is the end of our history recap about Catrina! Interesting, right?
But letâs keep going with what we like most: the costumes of La Catrina and the Day of the Dead (DĂa de los Muertos). They are very colorful and nice-looking costumes, and they will make you an authentic Mexican skull this next Halloween. Pay attention, because we will tell you everything you need to know about how to disguise yourself as a Sugar Skull.
Sugar Skull costume
We start with various proposals of costumes and dresses of the Mexican Skull that you can wear this Halloween.
There are many varieties, since the most elegant ones to the first ones that came up on the satires in the newspapers to even some that you can design yourself from a female skull costume and a tulle skirt, for example.
You can also dress up as a fancy, Mexican Skull couple during the Day of the Dead.
The accessories
The accessories are a must in the Sugar Skull costume. You cannot forget to wear a black wig nor the characteristic flowers that this character is always wearing over her head. Wear some nice pendants, some bone stockings and go enjoy the most terrifying night of the year!
Sugar Skull makeup
Your Halloween makeup will be one of the most important aspects of your outfit. We have seen that you can wear a mask that matches your costume, but we encourage you to design your own makeup. And we will help you with it.
Not all Sugar Skulls are the same; some wear flowers, others crosses⊠So that you can get inspiration and can create a special Mexican skull, we leave this Sugar Skull makeup tutorial made by Sara G. here for you to see just how pretty you can look with a spectacular makeup.
Take notes! Youâll need various color of paints, especially white and black, and you can complete it with some fake eyelashes and some glitter on the forehead or some flowers, for example.
You now have all the elements ready for your Day of the Dead spectacular look for this next Halloween. Put some color into the night and have a spooky evening!