Calaveras De Azúcar

At first sight Calaveras De Azúcar is not dissimilar to Russian folk art – both packs having been produced by Natalia Silva and printed by the USPCC. Both feature colourful images against a black background, with the traditional black suits coloured yellow. But this pack is inspired by the Day of the Dead Celebration – a Mexican holiday, celebrated on the 1st and 2nd November.

The word “Calavera” means skull in Spanish. “Calavera De Azúcar” is a skull made out of sugar, which is used to decorate Day of the Dead altars. These sugar skulls are happy, colourful and whimsical, rather than scary. The reason for this is because they are meant to capture the joy and spirit of their deceased loved ones.

The court cards depict the skulls with musical instruments, hats and flowers, with particular symbolism in the decoration around the eyes - flowers symbolizing life, and cobwebs symbolizing death. The skulls are designed to be bright and cheerful, being a celebration of the life that once was. The Jokers take a similar approach, although with a character all their own. Amazing skull designs are depicted on the card backs and on the case ►

Above: Calaveras De Azúcar playing cards produced by Natalia Silva, USA, 2017.

The pack was produced in different coloured editions. Black and Blue packs in 1500 copies (Black is shown here), Purple in 500 copies, Green in 100 copies and Red in a mere 13 copies.