Mexico is famous worldwide for having several fiestas and traditions that have been practiced for many centuries. Many of these celebrate Catholic holidays and rituals. The fiestas are celebrated on an annual basis and tourists flock from other parts of the globe just to witness the unique cultural presentations, dances and ceremonies. The festivals usually feature a variety of flags and other decorations. Perforated paper is prepared to make cutout flags which are waved and displayed by people of all ages.
The practice is said to have started from Aztecs during ancient events. The original material was called amatl, made from bark-mulch and featured the faces of Aztec gods and symbols. People would use these during worship thousands of years ago.
After some time, the Spanish showed a new method from China. The flags are now modern but still featured widely in Catholic events. The paper or papel picado will be prepared using tools like small knives and chisels.
The colours and images used will also vary although there are a number of favorites in Mexico, such as crosses, birds, angels, animals, flowers and other famous people or images in history. There are fiesta flags featuring the faces of saints or the Virgin Mary. Some of the commonly used colours include white, pink and light blue. The Day of the Dead is another special celebration in Mexico where the colours purple, orange and pink run rampant. If you visit Puebla in San Salvador Huixcolotla, you will see several papel picado being manufactured.