Papel Picado (perforated or pricked paper) is a pre-Columbia folk art. Indigenous peoples used hand made papers in religious and healing riturals. Most of the "papel picado" was made of paper called amate (from mulberry bark).

A dramatic change came when Filipino and Chinese traders arrived at the Port of Acapulco. They introduced 'papel chino' (tissue paper). Mexicans found 'papel chino' easy to cut and easy to dye into many colors. 'Papel chino' continues to be the paper of choice for 'papel picado' art projects.

'Enramadas de papel picado' (string of tissue paper sheets), large banners, lattice curtains, and tissue paper flags are used fo all kinds of celebrations. Communities display them at parties, weddings, birthdays, and day of the dead celebrations.

Traditional 'papel picado' sheets take from 8 to 10 hours to cut. Artisans hand cut 30 to 40 sheets of tissue paper at one time. A variety of chisels, Exacto knives, and wood carving tools are used.

Contact Beatriz at:
Beatriz Diaz Goodpasture
Everett, Washington  USA
(425) 357-8836
email: aztecwoman@comcast.net
(Please call only between 9 AM - 4 PM PT)