Sugar skulls, or Calaveras de azúcar, are deeply rooted in the Mexican tradition and culture. This festive and whimsical symbol is an important part of the Day of the Dead, or Día de Los Muertos – a Mexican holiday that marks the remembrance and celebration of those who have passed.

Sugar skulls, also called calaveritas de azúcar (or calaveritas, for short), are literally skulls made from sugar. They’re found in Mexico and Mexican households for the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos tradition, which takes place annually on the evening of November 1 through the next day.

During the celebration of Dia de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), sugar skulls are often used to decorate the ofrendas (offerings), and they are exactly what their name describes: skull-shaped sugar.